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.

In this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, breaks down two topics that currently have a grip on the food industry: Salmonella and Cyclospora. He explains exactly what they are, how contamination can happen, why these pathogens matter to the food industry, and what’s happening across the food supply chain right now.

From farms and processing facilities to shipping, handling and the kitchen at home, Jonathan takes a closer look at the many points where food safety can become a concern. Foodborne illness has impacted the country — and understanding where it comes from can help consumers make smarter choices.

Most importantly, this episode isn't just about understanding the problem. Jonathan also explains what consumers can do to reduce their risk, make informed decisions and better understand the food they're putting on their tables.

If you’ve been on high alert about Salmonella and Cyclospora and wondering what steps have been taken in the spice industry, check out this new episode.

In this Spice Market Update, Jonathan Raju, COO of HIgh Quality Organics, takes a closer look at the current oregano market and the supply challenges impacting the industry. As availability shifts and market conditions continue to evolve, HQO is focused on doing more than sourcing exceptional organic spices—we're investing in innovative quality control solutions that deliver greater consistency and value to our customers.

Jonathan dives into how HQO is expanding from organic spice production to unique problem solving, including spice declumping, organic-compliant methods to eliminate insect contamination, and more.

Whether you're a spice buyer, food manufacturer, importer, or simply a spice enthusiast, this episode offers a closer look at the spice market from a supplier’s perspective.

After wrapping up our conversation with Dr. Shawn Talbott, the OG Spice Guy team gathers around the table for another Family Meal—this time with a challenge. Inspired by the episode, Jonathan Raju kicks off the 30 Plants in a Week Challenge with Indian Cuisine, sharing how everyday spices can be a simple way to support overall health.

Jonathan introduces the team to whole cardamom pods, inviting everyone to crack them open, taste the seeds inside, and experience the aromatic spices firsthand. Along the way, we explore cardamom's origins, its culinary and wellness benefits, and why this spice is a “cash crop”. We also answer the question: What’s really in Allspice?

Join the conversation for great food and practical ways to bring more spices—and more flavor—to your everyday meals.

In this episode of OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, is joined by PsychoNutritionist & best-selling author, Dr. Shawn Talbott, for an insightful conversation about the role spices can play in supporting a healthy lifestyle.

We explore why spices have been valued for centuries—not just for their incredible flavor, but for the naturally occurring compounds that have made them an important part of diets around the world. Dr. Talbott shares the science behind how spices fit into an overall healthy eating pattern, while Jonathan offers a unique perspective from decades in the global spice industry.

Whether you're curious about the connection between nutrition and spices or simply looking for practical ways to build healthier habits, this episode explains how small changes—like incorporating more herbs and spices into everyday meals—can make eating well more enjoyable and flavorful.

In this Spice Market Update, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, breaks down major developments shaping the global spice trade. First, a widespread fungal disease affecting ginger production in Nigeria is creating uncertainty around supply, quality, and availability. Jonathan discusses how this impacts the global ginger market and what buyers should be watching in the months ahead.

He also examines the latest El Niño forecasts and how changing weather patterns could impact black pepper production across key growing regions. The weather forecasts don't guarantee market outcomes, but they can provide an early indication of potential supply pressure and future price movement.

Whether you're a spice buyer, food manufacturer, importer, or simply a spice enthusiast, this episode offers practical insights into the market forces influencing two of the world's most important spices.

In this Spice Market Update, Jonathan Raju, COO of High Quality Organics, takes a deep dive into El Niño and explains why spice industry professionals should be paying close attention. From changing rainfall patterns and drought conditions to harvest disruptions and shifting crop quality, El Niño has the potential to impact all avenues of the global spice supply chain.

Jonathan breaks down how this climate phenomenon can influence spice production across key growing regions, affecting supply, quality, availability, and ultimately market pricing. The discussion also looks ahead at what a developing El Niño event in 2026 could mean for upcoming harvests, inventory planning, and pricing trends across the spice industry.

Whether you're sourcing raw materials, managing inventory, forecasting costs, or keeping an eye on the weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean, this episode offers insights into the factors affecting the spice trade today.

In this episode of OG Spice Guy, High Quality Organic COO, Jonathan Raju, sits with with turmeric supplier and expert, Ram Soundararajan, to explain that actually happens to turmeric before it reaches your kitchen. Turmeric is one of the world's most recognizable spices, known for its vibrant golden color, culinary versatility, and growing reputation for health and wellness benefits.

We discuss what gives turmeric its signature color, how growing conditions impact quality, and the challenges producers face in today's global spice market. Jonathan and Ram also take a closer look at the processing methods, dehydration process, and devotion required that goes into the turmeric powder used around the world. Whether you're a chef, food enthusiast, spice professional, or simply curious about where your ingredients come from, this conversation offers a look inside the turmeric supply chain.

This week, the team behind OG Spice Guy & Seco Spice follow up the New Mexico chile deep dive to talk about the harvest season. From the excitement of this year’s bell pepper crop to the relationships behind the spice industry, the conversation dives into what’s happening behind the scenes before the next big harvest arrives. The team also explores the role organic greenhouses play in producing high-quality peppers, the challenges growers are facing this season, and what customers can expect from the upcoming harvest.