Spice Apothecary: Blending and Using Common Spices for Everyday Health

by Bevin Clare

Spices are universally recognized as a source of flavour and aromatics, but in cultures around the world, these plant parts have a long history as a source of medicine. In Spice Apothecary, author Bevin Clare combines her training in herbalism and nutrition to guide readers in a return to the kitchen spice cabinet for better health and healing.

Focusing on 19 common culinary spices that are easy to source and prized for their flavour, this practical guide highlights the health benefits of each spice for supporting wellness goals, with information on the best preparation for medicinal benefit, storage recommendations, and daily dosage guidelines. To bolster the immune system, chilli, garlic, ginger, and mustard are best. Kidney health is supported by celery seed, parsley, and sage, while the respiratory system benefits most from ginger, mint, and thyme.

Formulas for dried spice blends that amplify the effectiveness of individual flowers, roots, leaves, and seeds accompany recipes for delicious dips, soups, sauces, and even sweets that deliver flavour and healing. This approachable exploration of the world of spices puts at everyone’s fingertips new creative and impactful ways to incorporate key health-boosting spices into everyday life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cookbooks, Food, Health, Cooking, Gardening

176 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2020

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biggest thing going for this book is how absolutely GORGEOUS it is. Incredibly visually pleasing and well layed out. The information inside is more on the basic side, but would make a great introduction for those just starting to learn about spices and their health benefits!

**Arc via NetGalley**

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be a 3-star book for me if not for the gorgeous formatting, photographs and layout provided by Storey Publishing. I honestly am considering buying a copy just to take it apart and frame some of the pages as kitchen art. :) But back to the book....

There are some things I really like about this book. I appreciate that Clare provides daily dosages in teaspoons instead of grams, which makes it easy to figure out how much to incorporate in your daily diet. I also love all the charts, tidbits and general information, and that she profiles herbs and spices that are easy and inexpensive to buy.

That said, there aren't that many herbs and spices actually profiled in this book and they are mostly the most common grocery store ones. I am still waiting for someone to write a book about herbs and spices to forage for cooking and health, as some of the healthiest herbs and spices on the planet are literally growing all around us for free. Examples of wild herbs and spices I would have liked to have seen here that are loaded with medicinal benefits are nettles, elderberries, sumac, wild garlic, rose hips, choke cherries, burdock root, red clover and wood sorrel, just to name a few.

The "spices" (I'd call many of them herbs) covered are: black pepper, mint, ginger, garlic, sage, calendula flowers, cardamom, holy basil, cinnamon, parsley, lavender, chili peppers, rosemary, celery seed, cumin, fennel, mustard seeds, thyme and turmeric. Other spices are mentioned in passing, but these are the ones profiled. After profiling these spices, sections tell you which of these are good for various health purposes like creating calm and helping digestion. The end of the book is recipes, especially for spice blends (some of these are creative, like the "cognitive blend" to add to dishes for mental clarity). Useful charts are sprinkled throughout.

All in all, this is a pretty basic primer. I was surprised that some important information wasn't included, like the necessity of crushing or mincing garlic and letting it sit for a few minutes to release the most important beneficial component, allicin, which is not directly present in garlic but is produced within a few minutes when garlic is cut or crushed. There also wasn't information about contraindications, like not using garlic when using blood thinning medications (garlic is known for its anticoagulation properties) or that it can mildly lower the efficacy of birth control pills, among other contraindications. I didn't notice any contraindications in the whole book, which seemed surprising and ill advised. Cooking with these herbs and spices in normal amounts is not usually a cause for any kind of concern, but it seems wise to at least mention these things, especially for folks who may double down on some spices for their purported health effects.

All that said, this is a fun read and as mentioned, it's just a gorgeous book. Don't expect to solve any dire health emergencies with it, but you are likely to learn a bit and enjoy yourself while reading it and cooking from it.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for the purpose of review.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most interesting textbook that you didn't know you needed to have in your book collection! Whether you just love to cook or are looking for help in healing organically, this book is for you! It has vibrant colorful pages and pictures to entice your eyes, but the material presented is definitely the meat of the book! It starts out explaining the backgrounds of certain herbs and spices and how they have been used historically to aid in health and healing. Then it gets really good as the book presents blends that not only sound like they would taste amazing, but offers information of how the spice blend can aid in your optimal health and healing journey. There are heart healthy blends, digestive aid blends and while that sounds super boring to some, the blends themselves sound amazing! Even better the author offers up some recipes to show you how you can use the blends! I can't wait to try a couple! I'm definitely going to start with the Cinnamon Apple Oat Bake, although the Comfy Compote sounded like a delicious place to start too! The best part is that the book leaves you will enough knowledge to start blending together your own spice blends to treat your taste buds!

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t a chapter book with plot and characters per say. Instead it is a wealth of knowledge about spices and their (mostly unknown) properties for health. My wife who is into holistic healing, I know she does use spices for some ills and ailments thanks to Dr. Oz.

I found the book interesting, chapter by chapter, each about a part of the world, each listing spice origins, their use and healing properties. Recipes are included, mixtures that will produce the maximum health benefit.

I haven't tried any of these health mixtures/recipes but my wife has already 'aha'ed a few.

I did receive an advance copy in return for an honest review.

[The Sassy Bookworm]

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice Apothecary by Bevin Clare would be a fantastic book for a beginner herbalist or someone wanting to learn more about the plants around them and what they can incorporate daily into their lives to help improve their health.
I also think someone who has been using spices in cooking or for medicine for awhile might enjoy this book because I know I get stuck in a pattern and reach for the same spices over and over, and this would be a reminder that there is a world full of spices to share their gifts with us.

Spice Apothecary is laid out in a thoughtful manner, starting with Chapter One and Our Connection to Spices which contains some history and the different plant families. Chapter Two is How Medicinal Spices Works which goes more in depth into the science and research in regards to spices.
Chapter Three talks about Creating Your Spice Apothecary aka buying, storing, dosing, etc… and takes a look at the various spices. Chapter Four gives an even more detailed description of the 19 spices and breaks them down into various blends to help with digestion, heart health, emotional well-being, and more. And Chapter Five has a bunch of recipes that you can use the spice blends that you made in Chapter Four as well as other recipes to enjoy. Besides all of this you get beautiful photos and drawings and lots of resources for you to explore more.

Spice Apothecary by Bevin Clare is definitely a book that I will be adding to my herbal non-fiction book collection.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

So useable and readable! The pictures were like looking at a mood board. I have a lot of spices. This made me excited to throw them into whatever I’m eating.

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

First off, I agree with the majority of the other reviewers: it was a most visually pleasing book. From the paper it was printed on (glossy kind of sort of), most colorful, and the most beautiful illustrations and photos.

It began with a wee bit of history. I always enjoy the historical aspects of cookbooks and general health books. One time I may have to find a food/health history book with no recipes, etc. Just history. I always yearn for more.

The native spices around the globe was a fun read.

There are facts I didn’t “need” to know; however I rather enjoyed reading about them: parts of the plant from which spices are sourced; some different plant families (scientific names); etc.

That’s all in chapter one. Chapter two addresses how medicinal spices work. I love that it addresses “to cook or not to cook”. (I hear Yoda saying that, for some reason, when I read it, ha!)

Chapter three is creating your spice apothecary. From: choosing fresh vs. dried, buying, and the very important storing.

Have I mentioned how stunning the photos are!?!?

Then we get to the good part: 19 spices for everybody. The photos here are ah-mazing! Black pepper is the first spice addressed. I used to think it was just something my mom covered her food in probably because she hated her own cooking 😊 😊 😊 😊. I had no idea there were benefits galore: digestion, increased bioavailability of other medicinal plants, etc. And pepper is not just for the savory recipes you prepare…add it to sweet recipes when you use cinnamon or cloves.

There is a handy dandy little chart in the middle of the book: Medicinal use and dosage of the 19 spices profiled in chapter 3.

Chapter 4 addresses how to use the spices to support your health goals. Spices won’t prevent all illnesses. But they sure as heck will give the body a stronger defense. (Incidentally the 76ers also had a pretty good defense last season, mayhap they are big into spicing, but I digress). For instance: if you use mustard (the spice, not the squeezy plastic thing in ya ‘fridge) and garlic, daily, during the change of seasons it will support your overall health! Garlic has long been known to support our immune functions.

Have I mentioned how awesome the photos are? Because they are! And I really want to go shopping with the shopper behind the goods in these pics. I want the yellow handled wooden spoon in my kitchen!

Spices are not just for our immune system, digestive system and physical health. They also lend a helping hand to our mental health too! A great deal of mental health could have inflammation as a contributing factor. That’s where spices come in. They can remedy that situation. Additionally some spices have positive cognitive effects. The book also addresses the connection between the brain and the gut. For instance: using just ½ tsp rosemary a day can support memory and overall cognitive function.

There is a second handy dandy chart further into the book: Spices for specific health concerns. Like I said, handy dandy!

Chapter 5 is recipes! Yay! The first “recipe” is my fave: spice blends! Yay! The Dukkah Roasted Veggies are a must! There is also a basic recipe for pesto with tons of options for variations. Basically I can use whichever nuts expire first, the recipe can be made with nuts or seeds other than the typical pine nuts. There are different oils and spices to choose from as well. This will be fun!

What a fabulous book! I feel healthier just having read it. I highly recommend it for anybody serious about leading a healthy life. Spices are oft overlooked. They are not just for seasoning food. They are truly medicinal!

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, this book is wonderful to look at. It is organized well and the photography is beautiful. The information nicely balanced with the educational part being just the right amount. There are some featured people and their experiences. Suggestions for your spice apothecary and how/where to store it. Then some wonderful recipes. I've tried some and loved them. Very happy to have this book in my library.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel a bit funny giving five stars to a book about spices, but I have to give credit where credit is due. This book was amazing. It was choc full of useful information presented in a practical way that is applicable in everyday life.

Spices are traditionally thought of as a way to add flavor to ordinary dishes, but they can also be used to promote a healthy lifestyle by helping to prevent certain diseases and improve preexisting conditions. The author shares her knowledge as a herbalist and nutritionist to give readers a clear and concise reference for adding medicinal spices to everyday cooking. She then takes the reader through 19 of the most common and widely available spices detailing their usage and health benefits. Finally, she includes spice blends and recipes to get the reader started using all of the information found in the book.

What makes this book so spectacular is its complete readability for those of us who are concerned about our health but who are not well-versed in medical terminology or inclined to read expert texts which require a high level of foundational knowledge to understand. The information presented here is laid out systematically and in a language and format that is easily understood. The book begins with general information about why spices are a viable medicinal option, how they are studied, how they should be stored, and much more. Then, it moves into specifics about individual spices. Following that, there is a section about specific health concerns and which spices or combination of spices can help. Some of the information is repeated in these two sections, but it doesn't feel at all redundant. The recipes that make up the last portion of the book are easy to prepare and made from ingredients that I would actually have on hand unlike some cookbooks which call for ingredients I don't typically buy. There are also helpful charts throughout the book which give a quick visual reference of the information presented and are a handy tool for recollecting details without having to entirely reread a section of the book.

Bottom line: I would recommend buying this book, reading it cover to cover, and then keeping it close at hand to reference. It's full of valuable information that is given in a way that makes implementing it both simple and sustainable. It just might be the only book about spices you'll ever need.

Note: I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very informative book with beautiful pictures and helpful charts.

Spice Apothecary provides a history of spices plus recipes for spice blends according to both types of cooking and health benefits. Before even finishing the book, I went ahead and made the Peppery Synergy Blend, which supports digestion, balances blood sugar, and reduces inflammation. I added some into a pot of my homemade bone broth which can only enhance the health benefits as well as giving it another level of flavor. I’m going to try it in my Apple cider vinegar drink as well.

There are many other spice blends I plan to try, both for flavor and health benefits.

I would like to see more recipes and ideas for all the spice blends. Perhaps that will come in a follow up book.

Cooks and those interested in natural healing and healthful cooking will enjoy this book. #SpiceApothecary #spices #BevinClare #netgalley

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the ARC of this book. It's a very interesting read about spices. The focus was on only 19 spices (I wish there were more) but it includes a lot of details about them.

There are spice blends and different recipes to try written in this book with medicinal information. Some even include historical facts.

Since this is an ARC, I ignored some of the text and layout errors I saw and focused on the content. This book contains a lot of interesting information but the way some of the information was written made it hard to read. In short, it's an info dump. I hope it gets revised for the final version.

I found the part of the book near the end of the book to be far more interesting and I hoped there was more of it.

In the end, it was an informative read but I can keep wishing there was more. Definitely going to try these spice blends in the future.

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice Apothecary is a gorgeously photographed and well-organized book that teaches you everything you need to know to effectively use spices for medicinal, healing, and cooking purposes! The book contains everything from herbal profiles on individual spices to recipes for meals and blends. If you're interested in creating a healthy kitchen, consider this an essential reference book for your home!

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for any newbie looking to get into simple holistic healing. The author brakes everything down so you can learn what formula is great in what food to help you. I loved the recipes in the back. The images in this book are spectacular, totally coffee table worthy.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reader is introduced to a number of different herbs from around the world. images - photographs and illustrations are nicely done. Some great starting point for the herbs. Nicely put together.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Spice Apothecary is a tutorial and introduction to the uses and active ingredients in several common herbs and spices. Due out 23rd June from Storey Publishing, it's 175 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.

Storey is well known for producing practical, sensible, well illustrated books aimed at helping readers get the best out of their lives and live a healthy rewarding lifestyle. Many of their books and leaflets have found a permanent place in my library and I turn to them often for inspiration and advice. This is a well written collection of precise and accessible tutorials with lots (LOTS) of recipes for utilizing the active ingredients in spices and herbs to enhance and support the immune system and general health.

This is a beautifully presented book, well written and photographed. The recipes are interesting and (mostly) made with easily sourced ingredients. The introduction covers the history and a little scientifically accurate and layman accessible explanation of the history and uses of different spices. The equipment chapter also gives a good overview on equipment and supplies which will make life a lot easier. Scattered throughout the book are highlights and essays written about different herbalists with information and background on diverse topics such as why medicinal plants are effective, how to utilize them to maximize effect, and where they come from and some history of the spice trade.


It would make a good basic introduction to herbalism for readers exploring the uses of various herbs. There is little info here for more advanced students. The recipes have their ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. The headers include a description and introduction. Special notes such as vegan friendly are listed in the introduction. Measurements are given in US standard only (there is a metric conversion chart at the end of the book). Special tools (mortar/pestle) and ingredients are also listed, along with yields and processing and dosage directions. Most of the ingredients are easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store (some items will need a specialist co-op or world-food/specialist grocery). Nutritional information is not included. Variations for each recipe are also included in a footer at the end. The book also includes an index as well as references and a suppliers list (slanted toward North American readers, but readers located elsewhere will have no trouble locating supplies online).

Four stars, absolutely gorgeous book, but -very- basic information.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Astrid Galactic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice Apothecary is as you would imagine, a book dedicated to the use of culinary spices and herbs use for medicinal or health purposes. It is a beautiful little book that provides as a basic and general guide for those who would like to enhance their health by altering their diet with the use of several readily available spices and herbs. It is not elaborate at all but serves best as an introduction for those not yet all that familiar with their way around the kitchen or with some idea of how to use various spices for healing purposes. It's limited in scope as far as the amount of spices discussed as well as the extent of their potential uses. With that said, there is a good handful of knowledge imparted to get anyone on their way to easily preparing dishes with one's health in mind.

Included in the book are several charts cutting to the chase for pairing specific spices to general health concerns as well as helpful measurement conversion charts. There are also a few recipes so you can make your own spice blends and a few dishes that use many of these spices. Not enough for this book to be considered a cookbook, but enough to get you started in your very own kitchen.

My copy was an Adobe Digital Media copy and did not at all lend well to this particular kind of book. The type was very difficult to read and a couple of the charts were impossible to use properly because they covered two pages. However, there were a lot of gorgeous color illustrations that it's clear that this would make for a beautiful addition to anyone's kitchen or even a coffee table. Definitely opt for a print copy. Would make for a wonderful little hostess or housewarming gift for those who like to play around in the kitchen.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the eBook for a fair and honest review.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Culinary and Medicinal Delight

As a foodie and an RN who appreciates complementary approaches to health, this book fascinated me! The author writes so clearly and passionately about using spices for medicinal purposes, whether you take them straight or incorporate them into food. She espouses both ways, but the end part of the book gives culinary blends and simple recipes to use them. The book starts with a look at the history of spices, including the spice trade. I loved the world map graphic with spices used to shape the continents! What a profound way to visually depict what comes from where. She looks into the medicinal uses of herbs and spices and gives a deep dive into what she considers to be 19 of the essential ones, each section including a daily dose, more information about the plant and its uses, and the blends and recipes where it is used in the recipe section at the back of the book. She also looks at particular ailments and ways to support different parts and systems of the body (like heart, kidneys, and digestion). Frankly, all of this makes fascinating reading, and she has great visuals to go along with all of it. But I particularly loved the recipe section, both of the blends and the recipes that incorporate them. This is truly a practical way of how to incorporate medicinal herbs and spices into your life. She offers multiple blends, from simple to complex, and the easy recipes that go with them look both tasty and doable. If you have an interest in cooking with spices and herbs or with looking at your culinary spice collection from a medicinal viewpoint, you may find this book as insightful and fun as I did.

I received a free copy of this book from #NetGalley, but that did not affect my review.

[Kay Porterfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice Apothecary: Blending and Using Common Spices for Everyday Health by Bevin Clare is a practical guide to boosting health by mindfully seasoning food with common spices ranging from black pepper and cinnamon to sage, thyme, and turmeric. Of the 29 spices the author focuses on, only three were absent from my spice rack.

In addition to discussing the medicinal properties of spices, the author takes readers on an adventurous journey of the senses. At the start she writes, “When you enjoy the taste or smell of a spice, you are experiencing something critical to the survival of the plant from which it was harvested.” Filled with beautiful photographs of spices including a world map made of spices, this book inspired me to get cooking.

Clare explains how the phytochemicals in spices work to reduce inflammation and oxidation in a way that is well-researched and easy to understand. I liked that much information thoroughly discussed in the text was also presented as handy-reference charts such as one on medicinal uses and dosages and one on spices to use for for specific health concerns. I loved the chart that listed spice blending possibilities according to global flavor profiles. A copy of that one is going up on my refrigerator.

Halfway through the book Clare shares how to make eleven spice mixtures and provides one or two east recipes for each blend. Following this there is a recipe for a curry, and a kitchari, as well as a few dishes using fresh spices. Hassle-free is the key here. Although I would have liked to see a few more recipes, the author provided enough information and encouragement to set me off on my own spicy adventures.

[Shannon Rochester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this book because as I age, I am getting more interested in becoming a healthier version of myself. Learning how to use spices for their various healing properties is a part of that. We all have to eat, right? Why not add some natural healing to your meal and possibly enjoy it even more in the process? Ever since my first holistic healing class back in college, I have been interested in learning of more natural ways to become healthy. I want to learn how to stop whatever is causing an illness, not just how to cover it up with medicine or end up having to undergo surgery. I loved the way the book was formatted and I loved the many photographs that were included. Spice Apothecary provided not only some history of the 19 spices that are included but recipes for various spice blends were also included. I was amazed to learn that some of the spices I already enjoy are so healthy but there are also some I have never even tried that I will be giving a shot to. The blends are listed together, along with a chart of how to make more or less than what is being used as an example...anything you have ever wanted to know about spice blends is probably in this book. :)

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spice Apothecary is certainly a very interesting book on how to use spices as a health boost for the body, especially at a time when our food is full of junk and our reliance on over the shelf medicines is quite prevalent.

The book is divided into five main chapters and an introduction:
- medicine of spices
- understanding the plants they come from
- how they work
- creating your own apothecary
- uses to support health goals
- recipes.

Whilst for each of the 19 herbs and spices it recommends a dosage amount, unfortunately in the long description you have to dig deep into the text to find out what it's good for, e.g.. diabetes, indigestion, bloating. Personally I would have preferred to have this somewhere more obvious or the table that lists the aliments/health concerns to be a lot earlier on in the book. However, further on in the book it does list the herbs and spices that are good for the following:
- bolster immune protection & defense
- Skin, bones & joints
- calm & focus
- strengthen digestion
- kidney health
- healthy heart
- respiratory health

Also included are blend mixes that can be used in recipes, such as cinnamon apple oat bake or a comfy compote. The recipes appear easy to follow but the measurements are in cups and ounces (imperial) rather than grams (metric), though there is a conversion table at the rear.

There is colour photography in the book, which gives you a good look at some of the herbs and spices, the blend mixes and some of the recipes. Dotted throughout the book there are people who explain the spice use from their area of the world.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kitchen now smells heavenly. My cardamon seeds have been pulverised and will be ready for me to make my chai tea! Bevin Clare's book reminded me that I have spices deep within my cabinets that are good for me! Not to mention that they smell wonderful and are so flavorful to boot.

Spice Apothecary is full of gorgeous photographs of and information about spices that you don't have to sail the seven seas and fight in wars to obtain (unlike in the past! Ha!)

I like that the author has used scientific studies to show to us that indeed the spices are really beneficial and not some quackery. She is also a clinical herbalist and licensed nutritionist.

Well presented with some charts, well written and easy to read. The recipes for blends looks so interesting. Can't wait to try them.

Great introduction to the use of herbs and spices for health and wellness. There is also a healthcare practioner's guide to using medicinal spices at the back of the book.

Thank you, Netgalley and Storey Publishing, for the chance to read and enjoy this book. This is my honest review.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I noticed about this book were the colorful pictures. There was some surprising information in the families of spices. It talks a bit about how spices can be different depending on how you use them. Also, there was some technical stuff that I’m probably going to re-read at some point. The book talks about several common spices and how to use them in recipes and medicinally. It also speaks of ailments and points to herbs that would specifically help a certain ailment. The last chapter gives some recipes that are easy. I’m especially interested in the Peppery Synergy Blend… Right now, I’m off to plant my herb garden so I can utilize this book.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from Bevin Clare and Storey Publishing, LLC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

As a pepper, garlic, and a bit of salt kind of gal, I found this book to be quite informative. I enjoyed learning about the different parts of plants used to harvest spices, the families of plants (who knew that the Nightshade family had so many peppers!?!), the best ways to store and use spices, and the benefits of adding spices to your diet. I really liked all the spice blends and will be incorporating a couple of those into my meals and I will be making a Spicy Bloody Mary for my husband and a Cinnamon Apple Oat Bake for me.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spice Apothecary is a super book. It is very well written and is easy to read.

I really enjoyed this book as it took you through a brief history of spices and the spice trade before telling you more about 19 common culinary herbs/spices. There were recipes which were easy to follow and sounded very good too. I am going to try a few of them as they look great.

If you want to learn more about spices and herbs then this is a must have book. Beautiful photography as well.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for hte ARC Copy. (My review is my own opinion)

[Cozy Book Spot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book! I love cooking with spices and I love trying spices from around the world. This book explains about the most common spices and how we can use them to give flavor to our food, or as medicinal support and the benefits of spices. The pictures are very nice, the book is colorful, clear and well organized. There is a few recipes in the book. Everybody should have this book! I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[JLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice Apothecary is a collection of stories, recipes, and practical guidance for using spices in your everyday life. I received a free copy from #netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It's an easy to.gollow practical guide that can be incorporated without investing a fortune.
Pre-order your copy for the June 23rd release: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1635860881 #spiceapothecary #book #bookreview #arc #arcreview #advancedreader #advancedreadercopy #bookrecommendations #bookworm

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice Apothecary by Bevin Clare explains common spices, their uses for every day, and how to store them. It is written in an easy format to follow, even for the novice (me!) and gives good information for anyone wanting to explore the different ways spices can help with your immune system, joint aches as well as other healthy choices to promote healing. The layout is easy to follow and the pictures helpful.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest opinion.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thorough, practical, beautiful resource! I’m just getting started on my journey with spices and their everyday use, and the book provided an approachable entry point with well-grounded research and traditional knowledge. I know this will be a much-loved reference guide and source of inspiration in my home for years to come.

[Deirdre Lohrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I need to add this to my permeant collection. It was east to read through, gave some simple recipes, explained usage behind some of the more popular spices such as sage, lavender, turmeric and others. Will recommend for individuals looking for something to work with for beginners for learning their spice rack!