OG Spice Guy

Following the deep-dive on the Science of Spice Blends, Jonathan Raju and food scientist Ali Bouzari sit down with the team to put viral food trends and internet food hacks to the test. From unexpected flavor combinations to claims that bananas and avocados can taste like bubble gum, we're finding out which trends are worth the hype—and which ones might be too good to be true.

But this isn't just about tasting weird food combinations. With Ali's food science expertise, we dive into why these actually work, exploring how flavor, aroma, texture, and our perception of food all come together to shape what we taste. Have you tried any food hacks? Let us know in the comments which ones we should put to the test next. And don’t forget to check out latest episode!

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 means
• How a spice blend is built from the ground up
• What separates a great blend from a mediocre one
• How 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 seed
• Growing organic bell peppers in the New Mexico climate
• Managing the crop from field to harvest
• Understanding processing and quality requirements
• Meeting the Seco Spice team behind the project

OG 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.

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.