The most important ingredient in Chinese cooking!
I was asked this fantastic question via my facebook. I didn't realise that in parts of America it wasn't a common thing to have in your cupboard. Here in England everyone has some 5 spice powder they bought that once and never used again! I aim to change that.
What is it?
Well, obviously it's five different spices. Cinnamon, fennel, star anise, ginger and cloves. There are other recipes for it but this is the most common I believe.
Which is the best one?
I've tried out several (we use about a kilo of this per year so I get the chance to test them out) from cheap supermarket home brands to the expensive ones and here is what I think. Here are three of them.
Morrisons Home brand 5 Spice (Sorry America)
Surprisingly enough my number two back up. It's the cheapest I've ever seen anywhere but as far as taste, smell, cooking loss and amount for the price it's spot on! If you're only going to make Chinese food now and again then this is certainly worth keeping in your cupboard.
8/10
Schwartz 5 spice
Ok. The most popular spice producer but not my most popular 5 spice. Sorry Schwartz but you just don't cut the mustard. (Pun intended). Smells good enough but this is a herb and spice blend and not the authentic spices that are demanded by Chinese food.
5/10
Don't ask me! No idea what this says.
Buy it here. (England only)
This is the one I use. From the moment you open the bag you can close your eyes and believe you're in China town waiting for your dinner. The smell is fantastic, the taste is better and there isn't much cooking loss. Due to it's size it's also cheap!
9/10
Well that's my round up of 5 spice powder and what it is. Hope it helps anyone that ever wondered or never heard of it.
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