The DeLish Bite

It is around this time of the year (when the temperatures start to plummet and you realize that winter has really just begun) that I crave hearty, warming and spice-filled foods. And, lucky for us Torontonians that we have access to one of the loveliest spice stores that I have come across thus far – The Spice Trader.

This specialty boutique, located in the heart of the Trinity Bellwoods area, boasts an impressive selection of all-organic or wild-harvested spices and herbs, displayed ever so prettily in their signature green-coloured square tins (which appropriately keep out light which can damage spice blends).

Spice-connoisseurs (and life-partners), Allison Johnston and Neil Bougourd embarked on this foodie inspired journey after leaving their former incarnations (as a film maker and a banker) and studying the spice world for a year. The array of spices they offer appears endless and includes over 120 spices as well as various salts, custom blends and essential spice tools like miniature mortar and pestles, spice grinders and frying pans for dry roasting.

You will find all the basics here like basil, thyme and chili powder, however you will also get the pleasure of choosing from such unique spices as Egyptian barberries, Indonesian ginger, Guatemalan cardamom, French chicory, Hispaniola cocoa powder, Iranian dried limes, Turkish sumac and Indian Asafetida.

And not only are these spices organic, they are free of the toxins, additives, preservatives, fillers and colourants that make up most typical spices found on grocery store shelves. According to Bougourd, some, like turmeric, are also loaded with medicinal properties, which has both anti-inflammatory and infection fighting qualities.

The Spice Trader: 805 Queen Street West, Toronto, 647-430-7085