OG Spice Guy

What happens when the mics stay on after the mint episode?

Duration: 00:10:39

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 ex...

Duration: 00:29:52

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...

Duration: 00:41:50

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) ...

Duration: 00:06:35

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 

<...

Duration: 00:26:09

Food safety isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of trust in the spice industry. In this episode of the OG Spice Guy Podcast, Jonathan Raju (aka the OG Spice Guy) breaks down everything you need to know about Ready-to-Eat (RTE) spices—and why validated science matters more than ever.

We explore: 

• How one parsley recall changed HQO’s approach to food safety forever 

• What “Ready-to-Eat” really means in the spice industry 

• The science of 5-log validation and why it’s the gold standard 

• Why irradiation and gas treatments aren’t the answ...

Duration: 00:35:31

Discover the fascinating world of cinnamon in this episode of the OG Spice Guy Podcast! 

Jonathan Raju (aka the OG Spice Guy) explores everything you’ve ever wanted to know about cinnamon — from how it’s grown and harvested to the different types of cinnamon used around the world. We break down: 

The difference between Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) and Cassia cinnamon 

How cinnamon is cultivated, peeled, and processed from tree bark 

The global cinnamon trade and why sourcing matters 

The health benefits, myths, and cultural impact of this beloved spi...

Duration: 00:34:54

Join the OG Spice Guy show as he dives into the fiery world of organic chilies. Discover the secrets behind chili growth, color changes, and what makes some chilies hotter than others. Learn about the science of capsaicin and how to cool down after a spicy bite. Plus, don't miss our hot sauce tasting challenge that will put our taste buds to the test. Tune in for a spicy, educational, and entertaining episode!

Duration: 00:44:13

In this episode, we delve into the rich culinary heritage of Egypt, exploring the unique aspects of its spice trade and the innovations in agriculture that have allowed for successful organic farming in the desert. Judy Sirafim from Spice Kingdom shares insights into the family-run business, the challenges of farming in Egypt, and the impact of global trade and tariffs on the spice industry.

Duration: 00:27:09

Hey Spice Fam,

In this month's episode of the OG Spice Guy Podcast, we’re digging deep into one of the most essential (and misunderstood) ingredients in your pantry: garlic.

But we’re not just talking flavor—we’re talking farming, tariffs, and the global supply chain. OG

Join HQO’s VP Jonathan Raju as he breaks down:

How garlic is actually grown (spoiler: it’s not as simple as it sounds)Why U.S. garlic production can't meet current demandHow new tariff policies could dramatically impact pricing, availability, and sourcing—especially for organic garlic
Duration: 00:33:45

In this episode, Dr. Raju shares his journey from a small farm in southern India to becoming the CEO of High Quality Organics. He discusses the emotional and scientific aspects of farming, the impact of labor strikes on the economy, and his educational path that led him to innovate in agriculture. This father-son conversation highlights the importance of understanding the roots of organic farming and the challenges faced in both personal and professional realms. Dr. Raju discusses his experiences in science, marketing, transitioning to organic practices, and the importance of quality sourcing. The conversation also touches on entrepreneurial insights...

Duration: 01:16:41

It's here. The very first episode of the OG Spice Guy Show powered by High Quality Organics, and starring Jonathan Raju, VP of High Quality Organics - the largest wholesaler of organic spices in the country! Join Jonathan and his friend (and producer) Rob Clyde as they introduce us to this unique business. In this episode you will hear all about the world of spices and what it means to run a family business. HQO was founded by Jonathan's dad 20 years ago and now it's time for the son to take over. This is just the start...

Duration: 00:39:17