Altes Gewürzamt – Single Spices & Herbs

Pure and unadulterated, from saffron to thyme

The single spices and herbs from Altes Gewürzamt are 19 single-origin spices by Ingo Holland – from saffron threads to tonka beans to freeze-dried thyme. Best origins, whole seeds, bottled in Klingenberg am Main.

Single spices are the backbone of any good kitchen – and at Altes Gewürzamt, that means 19 pure spices and herbs in the quality with which Ingo Holland once earned his Michelin star. No blends, no frills, just the spice itself, carefully selected based on origin and harvest year.

Treasures in a small jar

At the top of the shelf are the rarities: saffron threads in highly colored coupé quality, tonka beans for desserts with an almond-vanilla scent, and green cardamom from Guatemala. Alongside them are whole nutmegs from Grenada, which, when freshly grated, elevate mashed potatoes and spinach.

The basics department is filled with sweet and hot paprika, turmeric from India, cumin from Syria, allspice and cloves from Sri Lanka – every spice is single-origin, each with its provenance stated. Those looking for heat can reach for the mildly smoky Chili Ancho or the formidable Habanero chili.

Freeze-dried herbs with full aroma

A specialty of the Klingenberg manufactory is its freeze-dried herbs and onion-family plants: thyme, rosemary, and oregano, plus garlic and red onions. Freeze-drying largely preserves their color, fragrance, and essential oils – which is why these herbs smell as if freshly picked from the bush, not like they came from a pantry jar.

The Herbes de Provence Exclusive combine thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and lavender into a Mediterranean all-purpose weapon. Oven-roasted vegetables, ratatouille, grilled fish – the flavors of Provence fit almost anywhere.

What matters with pure spices

Three things determine quality: origin, freshness, and form. Whole seeds retain their aroma for years longer than ground products, because the later a spice is broken, the more essential oils reach the plate. That is why cumin, allspice, and cloves are intentionally sold whole here.

By the way, we love tonka bean finely grated over panna cotta – just a hint is enough. All 19 spices are part of the Altes Gewürzamt spice manufactory range, and if you want to know what the spice miller creates from them, take a look at the curries and masalas by Ingo Holland. Pure really is the most honest way!