Anyone looking to buy Asian food online will quickly find a wide selection of spices, sweets and gift boxes. However, product images alone do not show whether a pack is suitable for your needs. Particularly with whole spices and Chinese mooncakes, details such as quantity, ingredients, allergens and shelf life can be crucial.
A 500-g pack of Asian spices may be useful for frequent cooks, but for occasional cooking it could remain open in the cupboard for unnecessarily long. Aromatic seeds lose quality when exposed to moisture, heat and light. So do not just check the price per kilo; also consider your expected usage and storage conditions.
Terms such as “classic”, “traditional” or “Cantonese Style” do not fully describe what a product contains. Mooncakes may contain wheat, egg, soya, peanuts, sesame or tree nuts, among other ingredients. If you want to give Chinese sweets as a gift, check the ingredients list and allergen information before buying.
Depending on the recipe, whole spices can be toasted, ground with a pestle and mortar or cooked directly in the dish. This applies, for example, to whole cumin, fennel seeds, coriander seeds and whole nutmeg. Ground products are quicker to use, but offer less flexibility when it comes to measuring and preparation. If you cook regularly, a small spice grinder or pestle and mortar may be worthwhile.
With Chinese spices, the ingredients list should be as clear as possible. Details such as “100% cumin” or “fennel seeds” make it easier to assess the product. The country of origin, net quantity and responsible person are also relevant. The right quantity depends on how you plan to use it:
The number of pieces is also important with mooncakes. A 360-g pack containing six pieces is more suitable for sharing, while a 150-g pack with one piece may be intended as a small gift.
Whole seeds and nuts should be stored in a dry, dark place, preferably in an airtight container. Always check the best-before date shown on the packaging. Storage is particularly important for mooncakes: according to the product information, they should be kept in a cool, dry place and consumed soon after opening.
Mooncakes often contain sugar, syrup and oil. Nutritional values vary considerably depending on the filling. For example, a product with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk may contain around 475 to 476 kcal per 100 g. This information is provided for product guidance and does not replace individual nutritional advice.
Before placing your order, pay particular attention to:
Why this product suits the profile: Two small packs containing a total of 70 g provide a manageable quantity for discovering fennel seeds in cooking, baking recipes or infusions.
The pack size reduces the risk of a rarely used spice being stored open for a long time.
According to the product information, contains no additives or preservatives; net quantity 35 g × 2, origin China.
Why this product suits the profile: Whole coriander seeds can be toasted or ground before use, or added to marinades, pickling liquids and spice blends.
The product description specifies that these are whole seeds and recommends storing them in a cool, dry place protected from light.
100 g net quantity, whole coriander seeds and country of origin India according to the product description.
Why this product suits the profile: This large pack is intended for households that cook frequently, make their own spice blends or use cumin in a range of cuisines.
The 500-g quantity makes its stock-up purpose clear. To preserve its aroma, storage in an airtight container in a dry, dark place is recommended.
According to the product information, 100% cumin seeds with no fillers or preservatives; suitable for use whole or ground.
Why this product suits the profile: With twelve pieces and six fillings, this gift box is designed for sharing or for a larger occasion such as the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The product page provides detailed information about the fillings, number of pieces, ingredients, nutritional values and allergens, including wheat, egg, soya, tree nuts and sesame.
1160 g total weight, twelve mooncakes, six flavours and a wood-effect gift box according to the product description.
For smaller quantities, Seven Fresh Cumin Seeds 135g is a good option. If you need a larger quantity of whole fennel seeds, consider Nature's Best Harvest Fennel 100g. For whole nutmeg, Huaseed Nutmeg Seeds 40g is available; according to the product information, it consists of 100% nutmeg and is intended for stews, sauces and meat dishes.
For the Mid-Autumn Festival, different pack sizes may be suitable depending on the size of your household. A Mooncake Gift Box weighing 720 g and containing four pieces is intended for smaller gatherings, while six or twelve pieces are suitable for sharing with family and guests. Depending on the product, flavours range from lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk to red bean, black sesame, Chinese dates, pineapple and various nuts.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
Look for a clear ingredients list, the net quantity, country of origin, storage instructions and a best-before date. Large packs such as 500 g are practical for regular cooking, while smaller quantities are ideal for trying something new.
Whole spices such as fennel seeds, coriander seeds and cumin should be stored in a dry, dark place protected from heat. After opening, a securely sealed container is recommended. Moisture can affect their texture and aroma.
This depends on the number of pieces, packaging and flavour preferences. A gift box containing several varieties offers a choice for multiple people. Before giving them as a gift, check the allergens, as many mooncakes contain wheat, egg, soya, peanuts, sesame or tree nuts.