All of our spices are locally sourced from the fertile valleys of Pakistan to ensure freshness and quality. National Food products are completely free of additives and preservatives, and we pride ourselves on our ethical relationships with our vendors.
We implement strict quality control measures, including thorough cleaning and inspection processes. Our spices are packed in hygienic facilities to prevent contamination.
Pakistani recipes are flexible by nature, and you can adjust most spices to taste, and cooking times also vary depending on the size of your produce and portions. Our recipes are supposed to be a guide, and you can adjust all of them according to taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Most of our products are dried and vacuum sealed, ensuring a long shelf life with labeled expiration and manufacturing dates. You can maximize shelf life by storing our products in a cool, dark place. However, expiration dates are only applicable on sealed packets.
If you’ve opened the packets but haven’t used the whole thing, we recommend storing them in airtight containers. You need to protect the spices from moisture – they’ll last much longer if they’re dry. You should also avoid putting them next to strong-smelling substances, as they can absorb odors.
All our spices are vegan! You can use them to add flavor to whatever dish you want. Even if you’re using our chicken/mutton Karahi masalas, you can substitute the meat for paneer. However, be careful using vegetables since they have their own taste and can change the flavor profile of the entire dish. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, just something to be vary of.
To enhance the flavor of your dishes, experiment with different spice combinations. You can also toast your spices before using them to release their essential oils and intensify their flavor. This tip stands true for our spice mixes, as well any other fresh spices you may use.
Some popular Pakistani spice blends include garam masala, tandoori masala, and biryani masala. Garam masala is a versatile blend that can be used in curries, stews, and roasted vegetables. Tandoori masala is ideal for marinating meats, while biryani masala adds depth of flavor to rice dishes. You can visit our National Foods website to find our complete range of spice mixes and go to our Made Easy recipe collection for tips on how to use them!
While you can substitute our spices with other brands, the quality and flavor may vary. We recommend using our spices to achieve the best results in our recipes. Our core values are to make complex Pakistani recipes more accessible. You can find, source, buy, toast, and grind all of your own spices too—maybe even get better results—but it’s an expensive, time-consuming process.
Here are a few tips for cooking with spices: