I got the two Berberes available on iHerb where I am. This and Frontier. I've tried a few different berberes from Ethiopian markets in the US, so I have a fair idea what it is like and also know that the mixes vary.
That said, one doesn't expect truly accurate blends from store brands.
I tried this one out on some tortilla chips as soon as I got it. Of course cooking an Ethiopian style dish will tell more than just tasting it from the jars!
It was a bit confusing and seemed like a more general spice blend than the usual pungent and earthy berebere i have tasted. I think the reason is it is quite coriander heavy so it gives it a kind of Indian flavor and brighter. I almost thought clove but no clove in it. I do like the garlic and onion in this one and its a nice blend. You could use it for other not necessarily African foods as a nice rich delectable seasoning. It might be a bit difficult to recognize it as berebere if it didn't have the label though. I have another spice from uSimply Season and was so impressed withthe freshness and bold flavor, I wanted to try this one. The frontier one has more of a Berbere feeling to me, though it's a bit fenugreek heavy and the added salt is unfortunate. But it reminds me more of the stuff I've had. Both are good in their own way and I might have a hard time choosing one because they are fairly different. I think i will mix them and get a more rounded flavor. I have a nice bag of red lentils with brown skins and it's mouthwatering to imagine these mixed in with that. So I would suggest getting both or choosing the kind of flavor you prefer, more coriander and fresh feeling on this one or fenugreek and more complex with a hint of salty on the other. Either would make a really nice base and you could add a few extra spices to your taste. I think if you added some ajwan, it would really help get more of an Ethiopian feeling for both of them. If you don't have a Ethiopian market nearby this is really greatto have because mixing one if those blends is really daunting. I'd definitely try some more blends from this brand, like harissa or baharat, etc. really nice spices.
