Food for Thought
2021 Blogs


New Name, Same Spices: Introducing Spices by ofi
December 2021
Olam Spices is officially “Spices by ofi,” – with ofi standing for olam food ingredients. This change comes with no difference in the quality of our products. Our spices will still be as flavorful and sustainably sourced, as ever.


US Grown Farm Spotlight: Green Chiles
November 2021
There is a region in the Southwestern United States where "red or green," does not just refer to the colors on a stoplight. In the state of New Mexico aka "the chile capital of the world," growers take pride in the climate, weather and 365 days of sunshine, which coincidentally produces really delicious chiles.


Domestic vs. Imported Paprika and Red Chiles
August 2021
Did you know over 65% of global chile production takes place in China? We’re all aware of the upheaval in global supply chains that was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Consider for a minute the paprika and red chiles that define so much of our cuisine in the US...


Spices in Tea
August 2021
We’re looking at spices in the kettle, beyond the tradition of currant scones at half-past-four. Spice Tea exists in a space that merges history and ancient medicinal practices. Read on for mugshots (pun intended) of spices as main ingredients.


Celebrating National Herbs & Spices Day
November 2021
We all know, if you want to make something delicious, you have to add an herb or spice to affect the aroma, color, flavor and heat of your dish. But have you ever wondered how to differentiate between the two?


Using Garlic as a Natural Fly Repellant for Your Herd
March 2021
On top of conventional solutions, some beef producers have turned to garlic powder as a natural product to include in their fly control program. Studies have shown that cattle fed with garlic may emit an odor through their skin and breath that can deter flies. It can be a safe, natural, easy-to-use solution, compatible with specialized diets such as grass-fed and organic. It’s also cost-effective.


Supporting Women in Northern Vietnam
March 2021
Ly Thị Kieu has been a cassia farmer for many years and had been depending on several middlemen in the past to sell her cassia, which meant she was often shortchanged on pricing. Find out how Olam Spices supported Ms. Kieu to grow more cassia and earn a higher premium for her products.


Exploring Mexican Cuisine with Chef Danny
February 2021
Tacos, burritos, pozole and sopes. These are only a very small portion of dishes that come from Mexican cuisine. Today, Chef Danny Espinoza talks us through the ingredients, the dishes and the history of Mexican cusine.


Everything to Know About GardenFrost™ Purées
January 2021
Olam Spices' proprietary line of GardenFrost™ purées allow product formulators and recipe developers to incorporate clean-label color and flavor into formulations without losing any functional performance in the process. Find out more about our frozen purées.