37: Learn about Spices with Ethan Frisch from Burlap & Barrel
May 11, 2022
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Ethan Frisch, co-founder of Burlap & Barrel, discusses the journey of spices, including importing regulations, the history of spices, and the truth about grocery store spices. They also explore the social mission of Burlap & Barrel, the importance of sourcing high-quality spices, and sustainable spice sourcing. This entertaining podcast reveals the fascinating world of spices and their cultural and culinary significance.
Burlap and Barrel sources high-quality spices from smallholder farmers worldwide, emphasizing the importance of using fresh spices within a year for optimal flavor.
Importing and exporting spices involves navigating unique regulations and bureaucratic requirements in each country, with Burlap and Barrel working closely with farmers to overcome these challenges and disrupt the traditional spice trade model.
Spices have a rich history dating back thousands of years, playing a significant role in enhancing flavors, our culinary traditions, and even historical events like wars and colonialism.
Deep dives
Overview of Burlap and Barrel
Burlap and Barrel is an international food supply chain that sources the best spices from around the world. They work with smallholder spice farmers in 20 different countries, setting them up to export their products for the first time. Their focus is on offering better versions of familiar spices, such as cinnamon, black pepper, chili flakes, turmeric, and garlic powder. They emphasize the importance of using fresh spices and recommend using them within a year for optimal flavor. Burlap and Barrel also aims to educate consumers about the sourcing and agricultural processes behind spices, building a new market for sustainable and high-quality spices in the US.
The Challenges of Importing and Exporting Spices
The process of importing and exporting spices involves navigating regulations, logistics, and different bureaucratic requirements in each country. Spices are fairly easy to import as food products, but every country has its own unique export processes and paperwork. Burlap and Barrel works closely with farmers to help them overcome these challenges, often hiring agencies to facilitate the export process. They focus on setting up partner farmers in positions of power within the supply chain and ensuring they receive fair compensation. By doing so, Burlap and Barrel aims to disrupt the traditional spice trade model that prioritizes big exporters over farmers.
The History and Significance of Spices
Spices have a long history dating back thousands of years and have been traded and valued for their flavors across cultures. They have been used to enhance the taste of food and to add unique flavors. Spices, such as cloves, were highly sought after and even played a role in historical events like wars and colonialism. The diversity of flavors and the focus on taste rather than macro nutritional benefits make spices an interesting and important part of our culinary traditions. However, many people are unaware of the origins and agricultural processes behind the spices they consume.
Building a Sustainable Spice Market and Encouraging Consumer Awareness
Burlap and Barrel aims to build a sustainable spice market by connecting small farmers with high-value markets and educating consumers about spices. They encourage people to think more deeply about the plants and ingredients they consume and to consider the source and agricultural processes behind them. By supporting small-scale farmers and using better versions of spices, consumers can make a positive impact on supply chains, economies, and their own health. Burlap and Barrel also emphasizes the importance of experimenting with different spices and flavors to enhance the culinary experience.
The Future of Burlap and Barrel and the Importance of Spices
Burlap and Barrel plans to continue expanding their offerings, including introducing new spice blends, sugars, and working with more domestic farmers in the US. They aim to provide resources and information to farmers to improve their growing practices. The company's focus on sustainability, supporting farmers, and educating consumers reflects their vision of creating a market that values the uniqueness and quality of spices. By reimagining the spice trade and highlighting the stories and processes behind spices, Burlap and Barrel hopes to inspire people to engage more deeply with the plants and flavors that enrich our lives.
SUPPORT the SHOW with my New Patreon! This week we chat with Ethan Frisch from Burlap & Barrel about the journey of spices. Burlap & Barrel is an international food supply chain that sources the best spices from around the world. Ethan leads Burlap & Barrel sourcing, importing and international logistics. He also creates the relationships with restaurants and facilities around North America. Join us while we chat everything spices--some topics include:
What is Burlap and Barrel
What regulations are there for importing/exporting spices?
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