OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju (VP of HQO), breaks down why the cost of bell peppers have more than doubled, from supply chain pressures to uncontrollable conditions, and explains how High Quality Organics is taking action with a domestic approach to lower costs without sacrificing quality. We'll also get into what's really going on with turmeric: heavy rainfall in major producing regions have triggered crop disease and shortage in a time of rising demand. If you want the inside scoop of the recent developments of two very popular spices in the organic market - this one is for you!

It’s family meal… but make it questionable. 🍤 This week, the crew sits down for poke bowls stuffed with shrimp that may or may not have been recalled (don’t worry—we talk about it). The team behind OGSpice Guy recap the new full-length episode where things got spicy in a different way: lead in cinnamon, contaminated spices, and why your spice rack might be more unhinged than you think. From food safety scares to the beautiful mess that is a well-used kitchen, this meal is equal parts laugh, learning, and “should we be eating this?” energy.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you stream.

#podcast #food #shrimp #cinnamon #hqo #ogspiceguy #entrepreneur #spicefacts

In this episode of The OG Spice Guy, HQO VP Jonathan Raju sits down with Alec Garcia, Founder and Managing Partner of New Wave Scientific, to uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes of the spice industry. From heavy metals in cinnamon and the truth about gluten-free spices to evolving industry standards and cutting-edge food safety testing, this conversation uncovers the realities of what’s on your spice rack. Jonathan and Alec pull back the curtain on spice adulteration, pantry staple shortages, and the problem with overtesting, while explaining how High Quality Organics goes above and beyond to ensure every ingredient on your plate meets the highest standards of safety, transparency, and trust.

We Explore:

🔬How are Spices Tested?

🫚 Heavy Metals in Spices (?!)

✅ How HQO Ensures Safety First for Customers

🧄 Gluten in Spices

🌶️ Organic Paprika Prices

🧂 Pesticide Protections

🫑 What's Next for Spice Testing

➡️ New Wave Scientific: https://newwavescientific.com/

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🌐 Website: https://hqorganics.com

💬 Ready to source premium, transparent, responsibly grown herbs and spices? Visit our website or reach out to the HQO team today.