Santa Maria spices win the prestigious Superior Taste Awards – the chefs rate the excellent taste with 3 stars

Santa Maria spices Santa Maria Tellicherry black pepper and cardamom won the prestigious Superior Taste Award of the International Taste Institute. In fierce competition, it was able to receive this highest rating – 3 stars and truly surprise the world-famous chefs on the jury of the competition, informs Inga Auziņa, head of marketing activities in retail at Paulig and Santa Maria in Latvia.


All products tasted in the International Taste Institute competition passed a rigorous evaluation process that includes blind tasting – products are judged on first impression, taste, appearance, aroma and texture. Santa Maria spices were given the highest rating – 3 stars. “An excellent product with excellent quality and intensity of taste” – these are just some of the words and arguments of the jury dedicated to Santa Maria spices, when Paulig was presented with the highest award of the prestigious Superior Taste Award.


“We are delighted to be highly recognized by the International Flavor Institute and will continue to provide the highest quality spices and blends with our Santa Maria spice range, focusing on sustainability throughout the value chain. This prestigious award shows that it is possible to taste the difference between one spice and another, and we are really proud of the excellence of the awarded Santa Maria spices,” says Maite Creixell, range manager at Paulig, which owns the Santa Maria brand.


“It was Santa Maria Tellicherry’s black pepper and cardamom that surprised these one of the most famous chefs in the world, and both of these products are available not only on the world market, but also on the Latvian market. Customers like to buy the mentioned pepper in a spice grinder, which provides an opportunity to supplement food with freshly ground pepper – aromatic and delicious! On the other hand, the fragrant cardamom is more in demand in the cold season, especially near Christmas,” reveals Inga Auziņa, head of marketing activities for Paulig and Santa Maria retail in Latvia.


The Superior Taste Award is a certificate granted by the International Taste Institute for food and beverage products that receive a score of 70% or higher in a blind tasting by a jury of more than 200 world-class chefs and sommeliers. Each member of the jury is carefully selected on the basis of his professional experience, successful participation in international competitions, etc., in addition, in the creation of the jury, for example, Le Guide Michelin, etc. are involved. prestigious gastronomy organizations.

Jury comments:
Santa Maria Tellicherry Black Pepper – 3 stars (highest rating)
“A delicious variety of pepper with a taste that is both fresh and spicy at the same time. The slightly sweet aroma is very tempting.”
Santa Maria Cardamom – 3 stars (highest rating)
“An excellent product with excellent quality and intensity of taste. Aromas of fresh ground cardamom are noticeable.”
About Tellicherry Black Pepper


Black pepper is necessary in every kitchen, as it can be added to almost all dishes, preferably at the end of cooking. This spice brings out the flavor of any food, even sweet food.
The possibilities of application are very wide – steak and fish, sauces, vegetable dishes, fried meat, grilled meat, minced meat, liver dishes, kidneys, game, soups, broths, salad dressings, mushrooms, pizzas, pasta with cheese, risotto, fruits and berries (eg strawberries), sweet foods (eg ice cream).
As part of the range of Santa Maria Peppers, Tellicherry Black Pepper is available in the Santa Maria Spice Grinder.
About cardamom


Cardamom can be added to cakes, pretzels, bread and fruit salads, meat and fish dishes. For example, this spice gives an oriental taste to meat and chicken dishes. Cardamom is also added to gingerbread dough and mulled wine.

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