By exploring global flavors, Barbara J’s Organics Spice Shop brings the art of cooking to life—one delicious blend at a time.
Barbara Johansen, owner and creator of Barbara J’s Organics Spice Shop, invites food lovers of all levels to transform their meals into flavorful adventures. With a lifelong love of cooking, painting and creating beauty in everyday things, Barbara turned her passions into a business that brings joy and culture to the dinner table.
“My love for healthy and flavorful spices, with my love for cooking, and love of painting flowers, I could create an amazing culinary experience for people,” Barbara shared. That epiphany struck her in college, where her dual love for painting flowers and experimenting with new recipes gave birth to an idea: What if she could combine beauty and taste into something simple, useful, healthy and nourishing?
Barbara’s childhood was stepped in culinary curiosity. Inspired by her father, who taught her the basics of kitchen craft and the value of a well-prepared meal, she began to understand the joy food could bring. “We all must eat to survive,” she said, “so why not cook tasty and healthy foods?”
That philosophy became the foundation of Barbara J’s Organics, where spice blends are more than seasonal—they’re an invitation to travel the world through our tastes buds.
The Spice of Life—and History
For thousands of years, spices have played a vital role in human history. Ancient civilizations valued spices not just for their flavor, but for their medicinal and preservative qualities. Trade routes like the Silk Road and spice caravans of the Middle East helped shape the world, linking Asia, Africa and Europe through exotic ingredients, such as cinnamon, turmeric, cumin and pepper. Spices were once so valuable that wars fought over them, and fortunes made.
Today, spices remain central to how we connect with culture and memory. They influence both taste and smell—two senses tightly linked to emotion and experience. The warmth of cinnamon, the earthiness of cumin, or the bite of chili can instantly transport us to another time, place or feeling. Barbara has taken that same timeless appreciation for spice and combined it with artistry and wellness.
A Spice Shop with Heart
What sets Barbara J’s Organics apart is not only the high quality of the ingredients (most organic and sustainable sourced), but also how each blend is a piece of culinary artistry. Her spice kits are lovingly packaged and cleverly named to represent the regions they highlight. With 14 distinct herb and spice blends, customers can “travel” to Mexico, the Mediterranean, China, India, Italy and more—all from their kitchen counter.
From novices to seasoned cooks, Barbara’s thoughtfully curated blends take the guesswork out of seasoning. With just a sprinkle, a basic cut of meat or plain vegetable dish is elevated to an international feast.
Her artistic sensibilities show up in every aspect of the business, from handcrafted labels to the balance of flavors in each blend. “These are not just functional ingredients; they are beautiful, international, and created to bring joy,” she said. Each set makes a perfect gift or kitchen staple, ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy bold, worldly flavors without the hassle.
Your Passport to Tastes
As a cook and artist, Barbara believes that food can be a powerful connector—across cultures, between people and even within ourselves. “We can transport ourselves around the world by turning a simple meal into a culinary experience,” she said.
So whether you are a fan of fiery fajitas, savory Indian curries, or herbaceous charm of an Italian tomato sauce, Barbara J’s spice blends are your passport to exploring flavor with ease.
Visit barbarajsorganics.com or call 209-770-4634 to explore the blends, learn about the spice blend stories, and start cooking your way around the world—one inspired dish at a time.
Janet Janssen is a Life in Business and Speaker coach, teaching leadership skills through the power of our voices. Visit janetjanssen.com/events to learn about her May 3 Expressive Arts and Storytelling in downtown Felton, or email ja***@ja**********.com.
