Since 1915, Favourit has been The Chef’s Choice for premium herbs and spices in Ireland. From our Belfast home, we’ve been helping both professional chefs and home cooks create extraordinary dishes for over a century.
Understanding Professional Seasoning
Professional chefs understand that exceptional cooking relies on mastering five fundamental taste sensations:
- Sweet
- Salty
- Sour
- Bitter
- Umami
The Chef’s Approach to Seasoning
Layering Flavours
Professional kitchens use a technique called layering, where seasonings are added at different stages to create depth and complexity in dishes.
Professional Timing
- Add robust herbs early in cooking
- Incorporate delicate herbs near completion
- Toast whole spices to enhance their natural oils
Essential Favourit Seasonings
Every well-equipped kitchen should include these chef-approved classics:
- Mixed Herbs
- Black Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Cumin
- Oregano
- Chilli Flakes
Professional Pairing Guide
For Meat Dishes
- Beef: Rosemary, thyme, black pepper
- Chicken: Sage, paprika
- Pork: Garlic, black pepper
For Fish
- Whitefish: Dill, parsley
- Salmon: Dill, ground coriander
For Vegetables
- Root vegetables: Thyme, rosemary
- Leafy greens: Garlic, black pepper
- Mushrooms: Thyme, sage
Advanced Kitchen Techniques
Spice Blooming
Professional chefs enhance flavour by gently heating spices in oil to release their essential oils – a technique trusted in professional kitchens for generations.
Creating Signature Blends
Combine Favourit’s premium spices to create your own signature seasonings, starting with classic combinations and adjusting to taste.
Storage Tips from Professional Kitchens
- Store in a cool, dry place (refer to pack for guidance)
- Keep containers tightly sealed
- Use clean, dry utensils
Professional Tips
- Season throughout cooking, not just at the end
- Taste and adjust as you go
- Start with small amounts and build flavour gradually
- Toast whole spices to enhance their natural oils
Our Promise
As Ireland’s oldest herbs and spice manufacturer, Favourit remains committed to providing premium quality seasonings. Whether you’re a professional chef or a passionate home cook, our products bring over a century of expertise to your kitchen.
Proud to be local since 1915, Favourit continues to process and package all our products in Belfast, maintaining the highest standards of quality that have made us The Chef’s Choice for generations.
