Frequently Asked Questions

Can I purchase Doug’s products with a credit card?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card and PayPal transfers.

How can I be sure my purchase process is secure?
Doug’s Down Home Foods utilizes PayPal for all online transactions.  PayPal is a leader in e-commerce and your information is fully encrypted.  In addition, your financial information is only shared with PayPal.  For more information visit www.PayPal.com.

How long will it take to receive my purchase?
Your order will be processed within 72 hours and shipped via DHL or USPS. Depending on where you live, you should expect your order withing 7 to 10 business days.

Can I buy Doug’s products in retail stores?
Doug’s products are sold in retail stores.  Please send your zip code to doug@dougsdownhomefoods.com and we will respond with the store closest to you.  If Doug’s products are not sold near you please send us the name and location of a store and we will do the rest.

What is the return/refund policy?
Doug’s will refund or replace the purchase price and shipping cost if the product received is different than the product that was ordered.  Unfortunately we cannot provide refunds for unused or unopened products.

Wholesale Purchasing Information
Wholesale distribution inquires can be sent to doug@dougsdownhomefoods.com. Please include your name and contact information including telephone number.  A representative will contact you within 24 to 48 hours.

Spice Facts

History:
Today spices are so plentiful that we take them for granted.  Millions of American kitchens have containers of cinnamon and shakers full of pepper.  In ancient and medieval times, these everyday items would have been worth a fortune.  Spices were rare and precious products, and they played a dramatic role in the development of Western civilization.

Today spices are chiefly flavorings for food, but a hundred other uses have contributed to the demand throughout history. Spices have been important as a means of prestige as well as for flavoring and preserving foods.  As a matter of fact, pepper has been used as currency.

As early as 600 B.C. a trade system was established and eventually controlled by the Arabians.  Even then the spice trade was very lucrative.  Around 40 A.D. the Romans became the principle traders of spices until the fall of the Roman Empire. After the fall, spice trading slowed down considerably until the 1100s. As the spice trade began to pick up speed again Venice and Genoa became the most important trading centers.  This lasted into the 1200s and up to the "Age of Discovery". One of the major consequences of the spice trade was the discovery of the American continent by European explorers. 

In the late 18th and 19th centuries, Americans became directly involved in the spice business as the sleek clipper ships of New England began to dominate world trade.  So many pepper voyages were undertaken from New England to Sumatra that the price of pepper dropped.  This helped cause a disastrous economic slump that affected many aspects of American business.

New York has become a major spice trading center with cargos from around the world arriving daily.  Spices usually arrive in whole form.  They are first inspected for cleanliness and must pass U.S. FDA and the American Spice Trade Association standards before clearing port.  The next step is to processing plants where they are further cleaned, ground and packaged.

Source:  Wikipedia “Spice Trade”

Storing Spices:
Spices and herbs contain aromatic substances called oils, which are responsible for the aroma and much of the flavor.  They should be kept in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, dark place.  A screw-cap container is better than a flip-top container because it can be tightly resealed.

1.  Keep your spices away from heat. Do not store near the dishwasher or refrigerator, and they should never be stored near the range. Heat, air and light cause aromatic oils to evaporate, which causes spices and herbs to lose their flavor.

2. Store away from moisture as dampness will cause caking and loss of quality.  Store in tightly covered jars and use clean, dry spoons for measuring.

3. Store in a cool place away from light.  Do not store in a window or in sunlight.  Spice racks are nice but not the best way to store your spices.

Health Benefits:
Herbs and spices not only add flavor to your dishes, recent studies indicate that many are also rich in antioxidants. 

Antioxidant Sources:

Cinnamon – Can lower blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol.  Cinnamon is an ingredient in Doug’s Jamaican Style Jerk Rub.

Rosemary – May reduce the risk of some cancers and can help prevent damage to the blood vessels that raise heart attack risk. Rosemary is an ingredient in Doug’s Double Secret Steak Rub.

Paprika – Contains capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Paprika is an ingredient in Doug’s Memphis Style Barbeque Rub.

Ginger – Can decrease motion sickness and nausea; may also relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Ginger is an ingredient in Doug’s Jamaican Style Jerk Rub.

Thyme – Can reduce swelling and inflammation and has been known to strengthen the body's immune system. Thyme is an ingredient in Doug’s Double Secret Steak Rub.

Cayenne Pepper – Contains capsaicin and can help relieve pain.  May also have a positive effect on cholesterol, and studies show cayenne pepper contributes to lower blood pressure.  Cayenne pepper is an ingredient in Doug’s Memphis Style Barbeque Rub and Doug's Jamaican Style Jerk Rub.