Malaysia is well-known for
its flavourful cuisine, and you can tell that they are infused with authentic
herbs and spices. If you are planning to make your own Malaysian meals at home,
you need to get the best herbs and spices available straight from Malaysia.
Here’s how to choose an authentic herb and
spice supplier:
Look for Halal
certification – The Halal seal is more than just a mark indicating that the
product is suitable for Muslims—it is also a stamp of quality. Manufacturers
have to go through very stringent testing before they can get a Halal
certification. Halal food must have positive health benefits and needs to be
produced at the highest standards in terms of purity and cleanliness.
Learn more about the
supplier’s clients – Does the supplier cater to large companies, like groceries
and food manufacturers? That can be a good sign of authenticity.
Check the manufacturing
location– The best suppliers usually have their operations based in Malaysia.
You can also check where the suppliers source their raw materials.
Try and test – Herbs and
spices are not that expensive, so you can afford to buy small packets of herbs
and spices offered by different suppliers and try them all at home to see what
suits your taste.
Check safety standards –
If you want to cook delicious and healthy meals, be sure to check if the
suppliers follow all applicable food safety laws. It helps if the supplier
fulfils HACCP standards and is accredited by the Ministry of Health.
Check the packaging – Make
sure to read the packaging of the herbs and spices you will purchase. The
wrappers of authentic herbs and spices are usually well-detailed and provide
relevant information, including a full list of ingredients, a best-by date,
storage instructions, and the contact information of the manufacturer.