NATIONAL SPICE BLEND DAY

If an alluring aroma of spices is tempting your senses on September 4th, that is because it is National Spice Blend Day. Home cooks and professional chefs alike know herbs and spices bring our favorite foods alive on our palates. That is why every recipe, every food blog, and every cook stresses the importance of quality herbs and spices for everything you cook.

National Spice Blend Day celebrates the unique combinations of flavors found in handpicked spice blends worldwide. Does a little smoky paprika, cumin, and rosemary tantalize your senses? Did you know there are four main types of cinnamon, each with different flavor profiles? Depending on where the cinnamon grows, the warmth, sweetness, and color change. When you blend it with nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and other spices, it brings an extra special touch to your baking and other recipes.

Herbs are also vital to every kitchen, and just like spices, the Earth has created a bountiful variety! Worldwide, so many kinds of Basil grows it would be impossible to list them all, but each one imbues unique characteristics worth exploring. When this herb is combined with curry or Mediterranean blends, you know you’re cooking for a celebration.

With only a few examples, we know we have your creative and gastric juices flowing for National Spice Blend Day!

NATIONAL SPICE BLEND DAY HISTORY

Angel Gregorio Spice Blend SpiceSuite

Angel Gregorio, owner and founder of The SpiceSuite, founded National Spice Blend Day in 2021 to commemorate The SpiceSuite’s 6th anniversary on September 4th. The celebration also recognizes all the world’s spices and how they contribute to a neverending creative food experience.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSpiceBlendDay

Demonstrate how you use spice blends to enhance your creativity in the kitchen. We know you bring diverse flavors to your tables every day, and that’s one of the number one reasons to celebrate. Otherways to celebrate National Spice Blend Day include:

One excellent way to encounter all these spicy possibilities is by visiting The SpiceSuite. When you celebrate, be to share your experience on social media by using #NationalSpiceBlendDay.

  • Dabble in a creative cooking experience by taking a cooking class.
  • Learn more about the best spices to use with your favorite foods.
  • Become a culinary adventurer by exploring new spice blends from around the world.
Big Cock Ranch Big 6 Sampler (Pack of 6 Seasonings with 1 each of Bull, Special, Good, Aw, Chicken, and No)#NationalSpiceBlendDay
Big Cock Ranch Big 6 Sampler (Pack of 6 Seasonings with 1 each of Bull, Special, Good, Aw, Chicken, and No)

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Beginning on September 15, and continuing through to October 15, we recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. During the four weeks, celebrations honor the heritage and contributions made by members of the Hispanic community. President Lyndon Johnson first declared Hispanic Heritage Week in September of 1968. Years later, in 1988, U.S. Rep. Esteban Torres (D-California) introduced legislation to expand Hispanic Heritage Week into a full month. Festivities begin on September 15, marking the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. With great fanfare, celebrations sweep across Latin America, Central American, and on into Mexico and Chili commemorating each country’s independence from week to week!

CONTRIBUTIONS

As of 2016, the Hispanic population has grown to nearly 57 million people in the United States. Amazingly, Hispanic people contribute to two-thirds of the residents, with that number increasing every day. Furthermore, an estimated 27 million Hispanics were eligible to vote that same year, proving people of Hispanic heritage are a thriving part of society. As the Hispanic population continues to grow in strides, more opportunity presents itself to embrace the rich culture and vast history they provide. From coast to coast, we celebrate Hispanic heritage every day in mainstream society. It’s not only reflecting our cultural differences; it’s adding a different perspective to our lives for us to enjoy.

Hispanic people across the country contribute to society in unprecedented ways. Historically, Alberto Gonzales is credited as being the first Hispanic U.S. Attorney General, while Mel Martinez is considered the first Cuban-American U.S. Senator. Currently, and politically, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, both members of the Hispanic community, are members of the U.S. Senate. Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic to sit as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Undeniably, representation from the Hispanic community is found in schools, public office, medical, fashion, as well as every aspect of business.

In addition, pop culture contributions by the Hispanic community flourishes thanks to many talented artists, such as Salma Hayek, George Lopez, Carlos Santana, and Jennifer Lopez. Finally, we need to give credit to the countless tasty Hispanic recipes found across the nation. Hispanic food has increasingly become a part of mainstream Americana. We relish the flavor and spice deeply infused into the traditions. Dishes ranging from tacos and tamales to Cuban sandwiches, nachos, Tres leche cake, family taco night, tequila, and Mojitos, entice us to enjoy the Hispanic heritage, one bite at a time.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH HISTORY

Originally, President Lyndon Johnson declared Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Through later legislation, submitted by U.S. Rep. Esteban Torres (D-California), the week was expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month under the direction of President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

More to Explore…

HOW TO OBSERVE #HispanicHeritageMonth

Joining local celebrations during National Hispanic Heritage Month is a fantastic way to meet new people. Additionally, you can learn more about the contributions Hispanics have made in areas of politics, business, the arts, sports, fashion, and cuisine, to name a few. Embracing the history and traditions of another culture not only broadens your knowledge, but it also teaches appreciation of other people and their customs.

Use #HispanicHeritageMonth in social media correspondence.

NATIONAL LEMON JUICE DAY

When the sun is blazing high in the sky, National Lemon Juice Day comes along just in time to bring a refreshing squeeze to just about anything. On August 29th, celebrate with a tart drop of lemon juice in your cooking, beverages, or freshen up the world around you.

These brightly colored sour fruits originated in the Himalayan Mountains millions of years ago. However, they have evolved since then, and today the citrus fruit is grown commercially in temperate climates. In the United States, California and Arizona produce more lemons than any other state.

Why Lemon Juice?

Why do we love lemons so much? Is it because we enjoy watching a baby’s face scrunch up at their first taste of the lemon juice? Well, we do, but that’s not the only reason. In cooking, the acid in lemon juice enhances the flavors. Add lemon juice to a salad dressing, and suddenly your salad goes from ho-hum to wow! In a sauce, the addition of lemon juice will transform it from being something that drowns a meal to something that brightens it. This one ingredient can save an entire dish.

The same applies to beverages. Lemon juice adds punch to teas, soda, and even water. But it also adds an extra level of flavor for mixed drinks. Bourbon, tequila, gin, cognac, vodka. They all have recipes that call for lemon juice, and that’s because, without it, the drink would be missing a vital element to the cocktail. Every bartender worth their salt has fresh lemons behind the bar. Alternatively, when paired with honey and a hot beverage, lemon juice soothes a sore throat and cough.

But lemon juice doesn’t stop there. No way. This powerhouse also makes us and our homes look good, too. Everything from home remedies to cleansers using lemon juice can be found on the internet. While you might not want to use fresh lemons (save those for the cooking and beverages), you can use bottled to save a few pennies. The fresh scent of lemon will also lift your mood as you brighten your pots and pans, clean your pores and windows and make your garbage disposal smell fresh again. While you’re at it, you should probably pour yourself a chilled glass of lemonade, too.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL LEMON JUICE DAY

Squeeze yourself some lemons. Reap the benefits of this refreshingly versatile fruit. There are so many ways to celebrate, too! Where will you start?

Give a baby a slice of lemon. Stop by your favorite bakery for the best lemon baked goods. You know, lemon meringue pie, lemon poppy seed muffins, or lemon pound cake with a lip-puckering icing.Try your hand at making limoncello. It takes time and patience, but it is also one very satisfying experience when done correctly. If you start now and make enough, you can give some of it away as Christmas gifts!

Celebrate the bright, beautiful freshness of lemon juice by using #NationalLemonJuiceDay on social media.

Lemon Juice FAQ

Q. When are lemons in season?
A. Most lemon trees produce fruit all year long.

Q. How many calories are in lemon juice?
A. One tablespoon of lemon juice contains 3 calories.

Q. How does lemon juice prevent fruits from browning?
A. The acid in lemon juice neutralizes an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase that causes fruit to brown.

NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY

August 28th brings with it an opportunity to demonstrate how we value each other. National Thoughtful Day sets aside a celebration meant to bring goodwill in a variety of ways. By serving the day with a spirit of generosity toward others, a ripple effect takes place.

What encompasses a thoughtful day? Sometimes it’s an awareness of fulfilling another’s needs. Whether they are celebrating something already or need a pick-me-up, being aware generates a multitude of thoughts that result in thoughtful acts. It can be a small token or an inspirational word. Either way, your thoughtfulness makes others feel special.

And many times, those special people in our lives will reciprocate in kind. While it is usually not expected when we’re being thoughtful, it tends to happen anyway.

Being thoughtful also creates an interchange of thoughts and ideas that spur even more thoughtfulness. One simple act or word can generate new friendships, cause a plan to develop or a garden to grow. Who knows where your thoughtfulness will lead!

A thoughtful day also gives us perspective. We pause a moment to think of another and not ourselves. Our consideration for others brings kindness to the world that would otherwise be missing.

And while all these reasons matter, one of the most important reasons to celebrate National Thoughtful Day is that it is necessary. Imagine all the lives we touch and how a single thoughtful act can impact them for a lifetime. Thoughtfulness is a necessity we cannot live without.

NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY HISTORY

Thoughtful Pinch founded National Thoughtful Day to celebrate all the ways being thoughtful brings beauty, inspiration, and empowerment to our lives. According to the creator of Thoughtful Pinch, Barb Paton, “By being thoughtful, one size does not have to fit all. In fact, the more unique the celebration, the better!”

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalThoughtfulDay

Put your stamp on the day – your own style of thoughtful. Then put it into practice. Maybe you’ll become the aunt known for her sweet treats or the friend known for surprise coffees at work. Some other thoughtful ideas include:

Mail cards to several people in your address book. A handwritten note means so much since they are rare these days.

Deliver small treats to friends and family. They won’t be turned away, we promise!

Bring fresh flowers to your neighbor. They will brighten the day and make a connection.

Surprise someone with a new book. Inspirational stories bring comfort and joy.

Take a child to the park. Children always appreciate one on one time.

Visit Pinterest for inspiration or Thoughtful Pinch for more ideas.

Most importantly, share your thoughtful day on social media. Include your inspiration and plans while tagging them with #NationalThoughtfulDay.