I am frequently asked what gift I’d recommend for the kitchen—a gift for a recent graduate, a passionate cook, or someone looking to expand their culinary horizons. Spices are one of my favorite gifts, regardless of who they may be for. We all need them, use them, and like them, but few realize just how much a quality spice will heighten the flavor of their food. The difference in taste between dried supermarket-shelved jars and single-origin, short-supply-chain spices is enormous. Better quality doesn’t mean higher prices; quality means a commitment to sustainability and advocacy for the farmers who produce exceptional ingredients. 

Enter Burlap & Barrel, an excellent choice for innovative, high-quality, and ethically sourced spices.

Founded in 2016 by chef-turned-international aid worker Ethan Frisch and marketer-turned-social entrepreneur Ori Zohar, Burlap & Barrel’s mission lies in their dedication to being a force of good in the spice world. All of their spices are of a single origin and prices are negotiated directly with producers. This means they can cut out the intermediaries and offer fair compensation while guaranteeing consumer transparency. The result? Top quality spices from trusted sources procured with good practices. Since its inception in 2016, it has paid farmers over 3.5 million dollars. According to their Impact Report, in 2023, they sourced over 137,000 lbs of spices from over 20 countries. The impact of this investment in communities is enormous, as it empowers producers to negotiate their prices and reinvest in their own communities. 

In international development, one of the most significant challenges facing communities is rapidly globalizing markets that seek cheap and large-quantity production. This leaves communities vulnerable, as community well-being, fair trade practices, and environmentalism are often disregarded. The results can be devastating, with all natural resources being sent out and exploited to depletion while little financial and natural resources are left for the communities that remain. Business models like those of Burlap & Barrel are seen as a step in the right direction, as they enable resources to stay within the community while encouraging producers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. 

In addition to their good practices, Burlap & Barrel is making spices accessible and fun for even the most inexperienced cooks. Experimenting with flavors like sweet Colombian Panela or Turkish Sun-Dried Tomato Powder can be done without expertise or a high price tag. At The Cook’s Cook, we believe that food is a space for learning and intercultural exchanges, and with the right spices, your final result will be delicious and educational. The Cook’s Cook is honored to collaborate with Burlap & Barrel. We were invited to curate a themed collection of spices, and Denise Landis chose to assemble a set of six essential Mediterranean spices. This set is fun for professionals and home cooks alike. All culinary enthusiasts will enjoy playing with rich Mediterranean flavors such as Turkish Cured Sumac and Spanish Smoked Pimentón Paprika. 

As inequality continues to rise worldwide, Burlap & Barrel believes deeply in the impact of fair trade and the power of food to unite us and empower communities worldwide.