OG Spice Guy

Jonathan Raju
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The OG Spice Guy Show is a flavorful blend of insights on spices, seasonings, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by the "OG Spice Guy" - Jonathan Raju, a second-generation leader in a family-owned organic herb and spice business, this podcast explores the rich stories behind the world of organic ingredients, trends in the industry, and tips for sourcing the best products. With his father as CEO and a legacy of expertise to draw from, the show also dives into the unique dynamics of running a family business, sharing lessons on leadership, growth, and entrepreneurial spirit. Perfect for chefs, foodies, and business enthusiasts alike, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead with passion and purpose.

  1. VOR 5 TAGEN

    Poisoned Cinnamon, Recalled Shrimp & Chaotic Spice Racks | Family Meal 3

    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

    19 Min.

  2. 27. JAN.

    Spice Testing: Heavy Metals, Gluten-Free Spices & Pesticide Protections

    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/ 💬 Connect with Us 🌿 OG Spice Guy 📸 Instagram: / ogspiceguy 🎵 TikTok: / ogspiceguy 🌱 High Quality Organics (HQO) 📸 Instagram: / highqualityorganics 💼 LinkedIn: high-quality-organics 🌐 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.

    46 Min.

  3. 13. JAN.

    Spice Market Updates: Tariffs, Black Pepper Shortages & Cardamom Woes

    In this episode of Market Watch with OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Vaju (VP of High Quality Organics) cuts through the noise to explain what’s really happening with imported spice tariffs, why organic black pepper is getting harder (and pricier) to source, and dives into the little-known global market for cardamom seeds.

    7 Min.

  4. 12. JAN.

    Mojito Mixology, Candy Canes & Trader Joe's Facts | Family Meal 2

    What happens when the mics stay on after the mint holiday episode? Join us in sharing a proper mojito, mixed by Jonathan, using fresh mint and organic ingredients. Along the way, the team swaps personal stories from the kitchen and behind the bar, diving into why great food and cocktails take time, intention, and a little love. The episode also weaves in cultural traditions and holiday celebrations, turning a simple drink into a bigger conversation about craftsmanship, culture, and enjoying the process.

    11 Min.

  5. 18.12.2025

    There’s No Such Thing as “Mint” | Peppermint vs Spearmint Explained

    What is mint… really?  From candy canes and peppermint bark to herbal teas and toothpaste, mint is everywhere—but most people don’t actually know what they’re tasting. In this holiday-themed episode of The OG Spice Guy Podcast, HQO’s VP Jonathan Raju breaks down the real story of mint, uncovering why “mint” isn’t a single plant at all, how peppermint and spearmint differ, and why menthol plays such a powerful role in flavor, aroma, and even non-food industries. Later, Jonathan is joined by HQO’s Director of Sales, Patrick McComas, a true tea expert, to explore how mint is blended, sourced, and enjoyed around the world—from classic peppermint teas to yerba mate and holiday cocoa blends. You’ll discover: - Why there’s no such thing as “just mint” - The real difference between peppermint and spearmint (and why it matters) - How menthol tricks your brain into feeling “cool” - Where the world’s best mint is grown—and why climate and soil matter - How mint is used in teas, yerba mate, desserts, and savory dishes - How mint is dried, extracted, and preserved to protect its essential oils From the Pacific Northwest to India, Morocco, and beyond, this episode dives deep into the science, sourcing, and cultural history behind one of the world’s most recognizable flavors—just in time for the holidays. Watch now on YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you stream. Connect with Us  OG Spice Guy  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ogspiceguy/?hl=en  TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@ogspiceguy High Quality Organics (HQO)  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/highqualityorganics/?hl=en  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-quality-organics  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. #OGSpiceGuy #Mint #Peppermint #Spearmint #Menthol #HerbsAndSpices #TeaCulture #HolidayFlavors #FlavorScience #OrganicIngredients #HQO #Podcast #FoodIndustry #SpiceSourcing

    30 Min.

  6. 12.11.2025

    The Real Story Behind Salt | With Redmond Real Salt’s Darryl Bosshardt

    What makes salt… real? 🧂 In this episode of The OG Spice Guy Podcast, HQO’s VP Jonathan Raju sits down with Darryl Bosshardt, grandson of the founder of Redmond Real Salt, to uncover the incredible story of how a family farm in Utah turned an ancient seabed into one of the most trusted names in natural salt. From mining pure, unrefined salt in Redmond, Utah, to busting common salt myths, this episode dives deep into the science, history, and heart behind one of the world’s most essential minerals—and why HQO and Redmond’s partnership proves that great ingredients start with great stewardship. You’ll discover: 🌎 The 70-year family story behind Redmond Real Salt and its connection to ancient seabeds 💡 The 3 questions every brand should ask when sourcing salt, herbs, or spices 🧂 The real difference between table salt, kosher salt, sea salt, and Himalayan salt ⚗️ Why purity and mineral balance matter more than marketing buzzwords 🤝 How HQO and Redmond are redefining what it means to be “real” in the natural food industry From wartime innovation to modern sustainability, Jonathan and Darryl explore how transparency, tradition, and trust come together to create flavor that lasts generations. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & everywhere you stream! 💬 Connect with Us 🌿 OG Spice Guy 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogspiceguy/... 🎵 TikTok:    / ogspiceguy   🌱 High Quality Organics 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highquality... 💼 LinkedIn:   a...

    42 Min.

  7. 22.10.2025

    Family Meal: The Pumpkin Spice Afterparty

    What happens when the mics stay on after the Pumpkin Spice episode?  Welcome to The OG Spice Guy Podcast: Family Meal Edition — our first-ever bonus episode, where the conversation keeps going long after the main course is done. In this casual, off-the-cuff chat, the team sits down to taste-test fall favorites (yes, that Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Mini Sheet Cake makes a cameo) and dive deeper into the spicy cinnamon debate that caught fire on social media. You’ll hear:  Honest reviews of Trader Joe’s fall treats (and why cream cheese frosting is never optional)  The real difference between Cassia and true Ceylon cinnamon — and which one dominates your favorite foods  Behind-the-scenes social media updates (and a major shoutout to our TikTok followers! The team’s take on viral protein bars like Barebells — and what makes a snack actually worth the hype It’s unscripted, unfiltered, and a little chaotic — just how we like it.    Connect with Us   OG Spice Guy   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogspiceguy/?hl=en   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ogspiceguy   High Quality Organics   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highqualityorganics/?hl=en   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-quality-organics   Website: https://hqorganics.com  Ready to source the world’s safest, highest-quality organic ingredients? Visit our website or get in touch with the HQO team today!  #OGSpiceGuy #Podcast #HQO #FamilyMeal #PumpkinSpice #Cinnamon #TraderJoes #OrganicSpices #FoodTrends #Barebells #FallFlavors #FoodInnovation #SpiceIndustry

    7 Min.

  8. 08.10.2025

    How Pumpkin Spice Became a Billion-Dollar Flavor Trend

    How does a simple blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves become a global phenomenon?   In this episode of The OG Spice Guy Podcast, HQO’s VP Jonathan Raju unpacks the surprising story behind Pumpkin Spice—from the first Starbucks latte in 2003 to today’s billion-dollar seasonal empire. Learn what makes some flavors stick while others fade fast—and how timeless ingredients, when paired with great storytelling, can turn into cultural icons. You’ll discover:  - The spice-trade roots of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves  - How the Pumpkin Spice Latte became a symbol of the season  - The 4-part formula behind every lasting food trend—culture, versatility, virality, and scarcity  - What brands can learn about authenticity and timing from one of the most successful flavors in history. From matcha to avocado toast, Jonathan explores how trends are born, evolve, and inspire the next wave of innovation in the food industry.  Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & everywhere you listen!  Connect with Us  OG Spice Guy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogspiceguy/?hl=en  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ogspiceguy  High Quality Organics  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highqualityorganics/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-quality-organics  Website: https://hqorganics.com  Ready to source the world’s safest, highest-quality organic ingredients? Visit our website or get in touch with the HQO team today!

    26 Min.
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Info

The OG Spice Guy Show is a flavorful blend of insights on spices, seasonings, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by the "OG Spice Guy" - Jonathan Raju, a second-generation leader in a family-owned organic herb and spice business, this podcast explores the rich stories behind the world of organic ingredients, trends in the industry, and tips for sourcing the best products. With his father as CEO and a legacy of expertise to draw from, the show also dives into the unique dynamics of running a family business, sharing lessons on leadership, growth, and entrepreneurial spirit. Perfect for chefs, foodies, and business enthusiasts alike, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead with passion and purpose.

Informationen

  • Erstellt von
    Jonathan Raju
  • Jahre aktiv
    2025 - 2026
  • Folgen
    15
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jonathan Raju
  • Sendungswebsite
    OG Spice Guy