30 DAYS OPEN PURCHASEAbout the Chinese hoe from Yaxell Zen:
The Chinese hoe is the original all-purpose knife. The knife can be used for most tasks in the kitchen, large and small. The high blade gives the knife great stability and the thin edge makes it suitable for precision work.
Yaxell Zen is an acclaimed knife series! For three years in a row, the series' chef's knife has won Aftonbladet's major knife test. The knives' blades consist of 37 layers of steel. The core is made of hard VG10 steel and the other steel layers of a softer steel. This construction gives the knives a fantastic edge combined with extreme strength and rust resistance. The hardness level is 61 HRC.
The series has a very unique character. The knife blades have a hammered surface that Yaxell has chosen to preserve on the upper part of the knives. The lower part has been polished to reveal the beautiful steel bearings. As an additional finish, all blades are decorated with a hand-punched logo. The knife handle is made of black micarta. The material is produced by joining linen cloth and special plastic under high pressure. This results in a hard, water-resistant and hygienic material that is well suited to the kitchen environment. The handle is fastened with two strong steel rivets.
About the spices from The Pepper Quest:
QingXi Imperial Sichuan Pepper
Name: Sichuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, Hua Jiao, Xanthoxylum piperitum
Origin: QingXi, Sichuan, China
Growers: Li family
Harvest: September - October
QingXi Imperial Sichuan Pepper is a floral, stunning flavor sensation from the Han Yuan Valley up in the mountains just on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Sichuan pepper has been cultivated here for more than 900 years and generations of growers have succeeded in creating a truly magnificent product. Its elegant taste, colorful appearance and delightful aroma made it a favorite of China's various empires and was given as tribute for hundreds of years, resulting in the preservation of this prized spice. Toast quickly on high heat before use until the oil begins to release and the scent reaches your nasal passages.
Tarim Seeds of Fennel
Name: Fennel Seeds, Foeniculum vulgare
Origin: QigXini, Tarim Area, China
Partner: Dennis
Harvest: June - October
This fennel grows around Lake Bosten on the edge of the Taklamakhan Desert. The dry, warm climate and cold nights create a unique growing environment. It has a sweet, warm anistone with hints of freshly cut grass. Becomes nutty and delicious when roasted. A must in 5Spice!
Quảng Nam Cinnamon
Name: Cinnamon, Cinnamon, Quế Trà My, Cinnamomum Loureiroi
Origin: Quảng Nam Mountains, Vietnam
Growers: Tre Leng Community
Harvest: March - June, Oct - Nov
For millennia, cinnamon has been harvested in the Quang Nam Mountains above the ancient royal city of Hué in central Vietnam. This cinnamon has a complex flavor with lots of heat and sweetness. This Quang Nam cinnamon grows at an altitude of about 1500 m above sea level in the highlands of central Vietnam on the border with Laos. The tree is native to the nearby Truong Son forest and has long been considered sacred by local communities because of its many medicinal properties. The cultivation of this particular variety, locally called Quế Trà My, is an ancient practice of many ethnic groups in the area and is unique. It takes 10 years for the bark of the tree to mature to the highest quality. When the tree is ready for harvest, an incision is made at the base of the tree to allow the bark to dry for a couple of weeks before harvesting. This drying method captures the essential oils and produces an incredible product. Ideal for use in 5spice, oils, sauces, baking, chili and broths.
Lang Son Star Anise
Name: Star Anise, Star Anise, Ngôi sao hồi, Illicium verum
Origin: Lang Son, Vietnam
Partner: Lien
Harvest: March - June, Oct - Nov
This full-bodied star anise from northern Vietnam is an absolute favorite. It has an aromatic, smoky character and is very good in broths, as rubs or in stews. Also very tasty when making chili oil and 5spice!
Maluku Carnation
Name: Carnation, Clove, Cengkih, Syzygium aromaticum
Origin: Moluccas, Indonesia
Partner: Adi Wijaya
Harvest: December - April
This carnation comes from the islands of the Moluccas in eastern Indonesia where it also originates. This original spice has been traded with China for thousands of years and has a special place in Chinese cuisine. It has a sweet, warm, menthol character that fits in everything from marinades, spice mixes and hot drinks.
About The Pepper Quest:
Providing kitchens with spices for superior taste straight from the source. Sourcing is the single most important element when working with pepper and spice. And this is what The Pepper Quest does best. We are bringing single origin, unique quality pepper into your mouth while enabling small scale famers to become their own social enterprises.
The box also includes a white pencil with eraser and a pencil sharpener from Faber Castell.
