Research shows that people who prepare and cook meals at home are more likely to eat the recommended fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains needed in a balanced diet. Building skills and cooking knowledge increases the likelihood that people choose to prepare home-cooked meals. Evidence also suggests that those who prepare home-cooked meals have improved health outcomes and reduced chronic disease risk. 

To encourage more home-prepared meals, the Fayette County Extension Office hosted the workshop Savor the Flavor: Seasoning with Spices. The Savor the Flavor program focused on cooking with various spices to season and enhance the flavor of food. Extension developed this program as a way to teach people how to make home-prepared meals that are flavorful and exciting. These common pantry staples are versatile, yet people commonly say they are unsure of the appropriate uses and applications for these items. The goal of this program is to increase knowledge about various types of spices that you can use and learn how to incorporate them into food preparation and cooking. Seventeen people participated in the workshop at the AVOL facility, a local harm reduction and resource center for people living with HIV/AIDS. This is the first time FCS has partnered with AVOL and I hope to continue to develop this partnership and connect AVOL clients with Extension resources. The group was 52% white, 35% Black, and 13% Hispanic or Latino. 

Of those surveyed, 47% indicated they better understood different types of spices used for cooking and/or increased their level of understanding regarding ways to incorporate spices into food preparation and cooking. Further, 94% expressed the intention to try a new type of spice as a way to prepare or add flavor to foods, while 94% expressed the intention to incorporate more spices into cooking to increase home-prepared meals.

Participants shared after the program that they enjoyed the class and hope to attend similar classes in the future. One participant stated, “ I plan to use more, different spices and herbs,” and that “this was truly interesting, informative, and fun!” Another participant wrote that they learned to “cut out sodium…don’t be afraid to try new spices.” Several mentioned what they wanted to try in the future: “The significant thing I will include next time I cook would be to mix different spices. Also, I’d like to try curry, ginger, and nutmeg. It’s been a pleasure learning the difference between fresh and stale spices.”