Italian Seasoning, 50g

Italian Seasoning, 50g.

Pizza mix, often referred to as Italian seasoning, is a blend of dried herbs that captures the classic flavours of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. While the exact blend may vary, common herbs included are basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, sage, and parsley. This combination of herbs is aromatic and deeply flavourful, perfect for elevating a wide range of Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

Flavour Profile:

• Basil: Sweet, slightly peppery, with a hint of mint and clove.
• Oregano: Robust and slightly bitter, with a hint of pepper and lemon.
• Rosemary: Piney, woodsy, with a peppery and minty touch.
• Thyme: Earthy, minty, and lemony, with a warm, savoury note.
• Marjoram: Sweet, floral, and mildly peppery with a touch of citrus.
• Sage: Earthy, woody, and peppery, with a slightly bitter flavour.
• Parsley: Fresh, grassy, and mildly peppery, adding brightness and balance to the mix.

Common Uses for Pizza Mix / Italian Seasoning:

1. Pizza and Pasta Dishes:

• Pizza: This seasoning blend is made for pizza, especially when sprinkled over the dough or the sauce before adding toppings. It complements the tomato sauce and cheese beautifully.
• Pasta Sauces: Ideal for tomato-based pasta sauces (such as marinara or bolognese) to provide a well-rounded, herby flavour.
• Pasta Dishes: Add to dishes like spaghetti, lasagne, or fettuccine to bring out Mediterranean flavours.

2. Roasted Vegetables:

• A fantastic seasoning for roasted vegetables, particularly tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Toss with olive oil and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning before roasting.

3. Meat & Poultry:

• Roast Meats: Ideal for seasoning chicken, pork, and beef, especially when used in roasts or grilled meats.
• Meatballs & Meatloaf: Sprinkle over meatballs or meatloaf for an Italian-style flavour.
• Marinades: Mix with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and salt to create a marinade for chicken or vegetables.

4. Breads & Dough:

• Focaccia: One of the key ingredients in the seasoning of focaccia bread, along with olive oil.
• Breadsticks & Garlic Bread: Use to flavour garlic bread or breadsticks for a tasty side dish to accompany pasta or salad.

5. Soups & Stews:

• Italian Soups: Add to soups such as minestrone, vegetable soups, or tomato-based soups to provide depth of flavour.
• Stews: Ideal in slow-cooked stews or chili, especially when using tomato-based sauces.
• Gravy & Sauces: Sprinkle into gravy or sauces for a more rounded flavour.

6. Salads & Dressings:

• Vinaigrettes: Mix with olive oil, vinegar, and a little honey to create a tangy dressing for green salads or pasta salads.
• Caprese Salad: Perfect for enhancing the flavours in a Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil).
• Roasted Veggie Salads: Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to roasted vegetable salads.

7. Mediterranean & Italian Dishes:

• Ratatouille: Add to dishes like ratatouille for a traditional French Mediterranean flavour profile.
• Grilled Vegetables: Used for grilled zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes in Mediterranean-style dishes.
• Risotto: Season a risotto with Italian seasoning for extra depth of flavour, particularly when making vegetable or tomato risotto.

Health Benefits of Pizza Mix / Italian Seasoning:

1. Antioxidant-rich: Many of the herbs in the blend, like oregano and thyme, are high in antioxidants, helping to combat free radicals and oxidative stress.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Rosemary, oregano, and sage have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Digestive Support: Herbs like oregano and marjoram can support digestive health, easing indigestion and bloating.
4. Rich in Vitamins: Basil and parsley are high in vitamin K, C, and A, which support immune health and bone health.
5. Cognitive Support: Rosemary has been linked to improved memory and mental clarity in some studies.