One can explore the magic of spices on Sunday, Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the Chef’s Cupboard joins the farmers market at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm in Somerville for a special tasting and learning event. Fall is in the air, the harvest is approaching, and it’s a great time to expand one’s spice repertoire.
Spices have been enriching people’s lives for more than 5,000 years, and inspired empires and explorers. In Germany in 1393, a pound of nutmeg could buy one “seven fat oxen,” and throughout Europe one could pay one’s rent in peppercorns, counted out one by one.
Today, the diversity of available spices can be overwhelming, so the Chef’s Cupboard, based in Auburn, has created a whole range of blends to help with one’s seasoning needs. One can start with the locally inspired Lobster Boil and Tater flavor, taste the islands with Puerto Rican Sazon or Caribbean Jerk, or follow the Spice Trail across the continents with African Smoke Spice Mix.
The farmers market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with activities and events throughout the day.
At noon, Jon from the Chef’s Cupboard will demonstrate how to season various meats and vegetables for the grill. Be sure to stick around for the samples; rumor has it there is spice cake to follow! Need a creative outlet? Try your hand at spice painting, fun for kids and adults alike.
For those who want a challenge, they can take the fun spice test to see if they can identify the flavors of the world.
The farmers market at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm is located at 217 Hewett Road in Somerville. For more information, contact Kelly at info@pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com or call 549-3096.
