Gourmet Seasoning Sheets Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gourmet Seasoning Sheet? _
Gourmet Seasoning Sheets are quite simply, the newest and easiest way to season meat, fish, poultry, tofu, and even vegetables. Chef-inspired seasoning blends are applied to a clear plastic film and then packaged in a re-closable air-tight bag. By simply placing your favourite food on a seasoning sheet, wrapping it tight in cling film for about 30 minutes in the fridge and then removing and discarding the sheet, you have a perfectly marinated piece of food. From there you can cook any way you like. It is the perfect addition to busy lifestyles, for those who don't want to sacrifice flavour for speed. It's quick, easy, foolproof, and delicious!
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Who is Behind the Seasoning Sheet?
Gourmet Seasoning Sheets are the idea of a very clever Canadian gentleman who supplies his know-how to other real chefs and spice blenders who add their own recipes and flavours to bring restaurant quality experiences right into your home.
All the flavours are created by a people who love to eat, just like you. Their inspiration comes from all directions and their flavour ideas are constantly evolving. The common thread amongst all the flavours is to use authentic and all natural ingredients just like you would find in a top restaurant.
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It Sounds Gimmicky. Does it Really Work?
At first, new ideas almost always sound gimmicky. Gourmet Seasoning Sheets are not only very practical, they are also proven. The seasoning system behind our Gourmet Seasoning Sheets is so unique it's patented, and has been used in professional kitchens for over a decade with outstanding results. While it may appear to be a simple idea, it is actually highly technical and subject to precise methods and calibrations. Every element of the seasoning sheet is thoroughly tested — and tasted — to make sure it works every time.
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Is this a Rub or a Marinade?
Actually, it's both. We have been known to call it a rubinade, since it is totally unique in the way it seasons food. Much like a rub, the seasonings attach to the surface of the food, but more evenly and consistently than you could ever do with loose powders. At the same time our sheets also marinate the food, since the contact area with the sheet helps the seasonings permeate through the food. The salt content naturally makes food juicy, and the acidic ingredients promote tenderness. The result…all the flavour of a rub and marinade in one, but with no mess and no fuss.
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Why don't I just Mix my own Spices, save some Cash, and Spurge on that Triple Venti Latté?
You can, but you won't save much money, and you won't have any time to get your trendy coffee beverage. Say you wanted to duplicate our Memphis Barbeque flavour. No problem … just buy loads of different spices at a specialty spice market, blend them in the perfect combination, find somewhere to store them, pray they don't go stale, sprinkle them inconsistently on your food and the surrounding counter, clean up the mess, and finally cook your dinner. Or … use just what you need with a Gourmet Seasoning Sheet. All flavour, no mess, right now.
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I Feel Threatened by Recipes with more than one Ingredient. Is this Product for Me?
Let's put it this way … if our Gourmet Seasoning Sheets were any easier it would make the food walk into your mouth. Whether you are time pressed, culinary challenged, or just have better things to do than messing up the kitchen … our Gourmet Seasoning Sheets are for you. It is as foolproof as it is delicious. Plus, clean up is a breeze since you simply discard the sheet when done.
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How Long does it Take to Work?
The easy answer is 20 to 30 minutes. However, when you use our microwave technique, you can actually season and cook your food in less than 60 seconds. Check out our Ridiculously Fast Lemon Peppercorn Prawns recipe to see what we mean. Occasionally, for example with dry meats (like beef), it might take a bit longer than 30 minutes to transfer the seasonings to the meat. In that case, simply let it marinate for another 10 or 15 minutes until the transfer is complete. Whatever the case the longer you leave it to marinate the deeper the flavour penetration.
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Is the Plastic Sheet Safe? Can you Eat it?
The sheet is perfectly safe, but you can't eat it. The plastic film we use is a vacuum pouch type material which has been used for culinary applications for many years. However, it is meant to be disposed of after use. It does not dissolve or remain on the food.
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How Long will the Sheets Last?
The sheets are vacuum packed in zip re-closable bags, so there is virtually no flavour deterioration before they are first used. Thus, we are able to guarantee a best before date of two years shelf life on the unopened product when stored in a cool, dry place. Once they are opened, we suggest you consume them within two months. After that they are perfectly fine to keep using, but the flavours will start to gradually lose their punch. Be sure to reseal the inner bag tightly after each use.
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Can I Cook with the Sheet?
The sheet should not be exposed to high heat, like that found in an oven, frying pan, or grill. It can go in the microwave, but otherwise always discard the sheet before cooking your food.
You can also heat the sheet in a vacuum pouch to 70 °C sous vide style. There are tangible benefits to sous vide cooking with our Seasoning Sheets, notably in terms of taste and colour. With sous vide cooking there is no food contact with cooking oils which absorb and dilate nutritious substances and destroy vitamins. Food cooked in the bag will therefore be more tender and succulent than traditionally cooked produce. All the flavours of a Gourmet Seasoning Sheet will not be lost!
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Should I Wrap my Food with the Sheet or just Place on One Side of the Food?
The flavours we use are so vibrant that there is no need to wrap your food. Just applying the sheet to one side is normally sufficient. However, if you want an extreme flavour boost, then we won't stop you from wrapping your food.
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What if my Food Doesn't Fit on the Sheet?
Each single serving sheet should fit the average portion size of most popular raw foods, like a fish fillet, hamburger patty, chicken breast, steak slice, etc.. If however your portion is smaller that the sheet, you can use a scissors to cut to size. If your portion is larger than the sheet, then simply use a second sheet as needed.
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You Claim this is Foolproof. Well, you Obviously haven't seen me in the Kitchen. How easy is It?
It is so easy it's ridiculous. We have successfully tested Gourmet Seasoning Sheets with everyone from master chefs to those who genuinely have trouble boiling water. Should you ever buy our Gourmet Seasoning Sheets and have trouble using it, we will gladly refund your purchase price. We also promise not to tell your friends.
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What Else can I do with the Sheets?
You can take them camping for a convenient solution to seasoning on the road.
You can dip a sheet in 225 litres of hot water for about 5 seconds then discard the sheet. You will have an instant seasoned broth ready to enjoy as-is, or as a base for other ingredients.
Before you freeze uncooked portions of meat or fish, apply a Gourmet Seasoning Sheet and the flavour will permeate through the food while frozen.
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Are the Flavours Spicy?
The heat levels vary depending on which flavour you choose. Some have very little heat, while others have quite a kick appropriate to that flavour profile. Rest assured, our most spicy flavours are hot but not painful. We have rated each of our flavours’ “spiciness” from 0 to 5.
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Are Certain Flavours better with Certain Foods?
One of the benefits of our Gourmet Seasoning Sheets is that they work with any raw meat, fish, or poultry, as well as certain vegetables. While every flavour works fine with every food, we have found some that really shine in specific combinations. Take a look at each product descriptions as well as our Recipe page for suggestions with each flavour. We also encourage you to submit your own preferred combinations so we can add it to our growing recipe collection.
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Is there MSG in any of the Flavours?
No, there is no added MSG in any of our Gourmet Seasoning Sheets, but some of their raw ingredients may contain trace amounts of MSG. Likewise, some ingredients we use (like tomato powder) are naturally high in amino acids, including glutamic acid which is a component of MSG.
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Are Your Gourmet Seasoning Sheets all Natural ... Organic ... Kosher ... Salt-Free ... Vegan?
So many questions ... so little time. We sincerely try to make everyone happy, so here it goes:
All Natural: All of our spices and seasonings are 100 percent natural, with no artificial preservatives or flavourings.
Organic: Not yet, but we are hoping to introduce some organic flavours in the near future. Stay tuned.
Kosher: Absolutely. All our flavours are certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union.
Salt-Free: Not yet, but we are working on some really amazing salt-free flavours. Stay tuned.
Vegan: There are no meat or animal products used in our ingredients. Regarding usage, we find that our Gourmet Seasoning Sheets are particularly well suited for using with tofu, since a slice of tofu lies perfectly flat on a seasoning sheet. Plus, tofu doesn't have much flavour on its own. Simply follow the directions on the box, and cook the tofu any way you like.
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Are there any more Flavours coming out soon?
Yes. More than a dozen new flavours are in the works. Of those, the top four will be released this summer.
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I have an Idea for a New Flavour. Who do I Call to Share my Brilliance?
Feel free to contact us with your personal inspirations. We welcome all new ideas, even if we haven't thought of it first. Should your suggestion be truly brilliant, or at least awesomely irresistible we will pass over your suggestion to our North American colleagues for trial and possible manufacturing and reward you with a FREE Vacuum Sealer should they decide to put it in a retail pack.
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Where Can I Get Some?
You can place your order online at this website or seek out a growing number of retail outlets who carry stock, including Whole Foods Market's new Kensington Store opened in June 2007. All in-stock orders are shipped within 48 hours.
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Do you Sell Assortment Packs?
Not yet, but our North American Partners are thinking about it. We would love to hear your thoughts on what you would like to see.
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I'm a Retailer. Can I carry Gourmet Seasoning Sheets?
Yes. We are in the process of expanding our retail platform in the UK. Please contact us to get details on wholesale pricing and retailing arrangements. Agents are welcome.
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I'm a Professional Chef. Could I use Gourmet Seasoning Sheets in my Restaurant?
Yes. Gourmet Seasoning Sheets are ideal for foodservice applications since it reduces labour costs while boosting consistency, creativity, and variety. Contact us to get details on new foodservice configurations due soon.
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