Berbere Spice

What is Berbere Spice?

Berbere is a hot spice blend that is an integral ingredient in Ethiopian cuisine.  Both full of flavor and heat, this spice is not for the faint of heart or taste buds.  Every Ethiopian cook has their own version of this blend.  Some versions include lesser-known spices like nigella seeds, ajwain, and korarima, a spice that grows wild in Ethiopia. Whatever the version, there are several key spices that are common to all and the result is a fiery, bright red, highly aromatic, and flavorful seasoning blend.  Fantastic as a rub for meat, poultry and fish; a seasoning for stews, soups, grains and vegetables. Berbere is a wonderful all-purpose seasoning.

How do I use Berbere Spice?

Like Spanish adobo, Mexican adobo is a marinade for meat and fish. Adobada is the term used to describe a protein marinated in adobo; you have probably seen the pig variation on menus at taco restaurants. Adobo may be used as a condiment, diluted up with broth to create a sauce, or transformed into the basis of a stew.

Berbere spice recipe:

Berbere is a reddish-brown dried spice mixture that's synonymous with Ethiopia, but it's used extensively in Eritrean cooking as well.

‣ Ethiopian Doro Wat.

Baharat substitute:

Harissa Seasoning, Chermoula Spice, or Dukkah Spice.

Berbere spice has the following health benefits:

The high vitamin A and C content of chili peppers may also aid in preventing infection. The anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-infection, antibacterial, and cough suppressant properties of berbere may be obtained by allowing sauces to simmer at low heat for an extended period.

◉ It Causes a Major Reduction in Blood Sugar Levels: Berberine is very efficient in reducing diabetes-related elevations in blood sugar and HbA1c. It functions similarly to several prescription medications.

◉ Berberine May Help You Lose Weight: Two studies have shown that berberine may promote considerable weight reduction and improve a variety of other health indices.

◉ It Lowers Cholesterol and May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease: According to studies, berberine decreases cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. It may reduce the risk of heart disease over time. 

Where to buy Berbere Spice?

Buy Berbere Spice from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Berbere Spice information (at a glance):