OG Spice Guy

On this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju from High Quality Organics sits down with food scientist Ali Bouzari to break down the art and science of creating a spice blend, one ingredient at a time.Together, they explore what culinary science really means and how science helps us understand the way ingredients interact to create flavor. They dig into what separates a truly great spice blend from a mediocre one, examining how each ingredient contributes to the overall taste, balance, aroma, and complexity.From understanding the purpose behind individual spices to exploring how every component works together, this episode takes you inside the thought process behind building a blend that works.Whether you're a food industry professional, a spice enthusiast, or simply curious about why certain flavors work so well together, this is a closer look at the science behind the seasonings in your spice cabinet.In this episode:What culinary science actually meansHow a spice blend is built from the ground upWhat separates a great blend from a mediocre oneHow individual spices work together to create a balanced flavor profile

In this October 2026 Market Update, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, breaks down everything you need to know about El Niño and its potential impact on global spice supplies. From shifting rainfall patterns to changing growing conditions, one thing is clear: spices live and die by rainfall.Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and mace are among the commodities to watch as changing weather patterns threaten to disrupt growing regions, crop yields and global availability.Join the OG Spice Guy as he explores the connection between climate and commodity markets, explains why rainfall matters so much to spice production, and examines what the developing El Niño pattern could mean for the industry in the months ahead.

In this episode (featuring exclusive interviews from the road) OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, travels to New Mexico for an update on High Quality Organics’ partnership with Seco Spice to grow organic bell peppers locally — with the long-term goal of developing New Mexico into a primary source for their organic pepper needs.For years, sourcing ingredients internationally can mean navigating complex supply chains, including suppliers in China. This project explores whether a domestic growing operation can deliver the quality, consistency, and supply needed to move more of that process closer to home.We go from seed to table, exploring what happens at every stage of the journey:Selecting and planting the seedGrowing organic bell peppers in the New Mexico climateManaging the crop from field to harvestUnderstanding processing and quality requirementsMeeting the Seco Spice team behind the projectOG Spice Guy gets an inside look at the challenges, opportunities, and lessons coming out of this HQO and Seco Spice partnership — and what it could mean for both brands moving forward.

In this episode of Family Meal the OG Spice Guy crew sits down for a step-by-step coffee tasting and dives into everything from aroma and flavor to origin, processing, quality, sourcing, and what makes each cup different.As the tasting unfolds, the conversation turns to the surprising similarities between the coffee and spice industries — from how climate and growing regions impact flavor to sourcing, quality evaluation, supply chains, pricing, and what happens between the farm and your kitchen. There are even helpful tips for what pastries pair best with certain coffees and what you can do with your coffee grounds after your morning up of joe.Check out this episode for a coffee tasting lesson, and a behind-the-scenes look the happenings of the OG Spice Guy Podcast.

In this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics dives into oregano — from its pizza origin story and traditional uses to the differences between Mediterranean oregano and Mexican oregano, including flavor profiles, and culinary applications that set them apart. Oregano might seem like a simple pantry staple, but there’s a lot more to this popular herb than meets the eye.Jonathan also discusses current supply challenges and a shortage that are putting pressure on the oregano market, raising questions about availability, sourcing, quality, and what the situation could mean for spice buyers and consumers.Whether you’re a spice industry insider or simply curious about what’s really in your oregano jar, OG Spice Guy breaks down the history, differences, uses, and current market conditions surrounding one of the world’s most recognizable herbs.