OG Spice Guy

OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Raju (VP of HQO), breaks down why the cost of bell peppers have more than doubled, from supply chain pressures to uncontrollable conditions, and explains how High Quality Organics is taking action with a domestic approach to lower costs without sacrificing quality. We'll also get into what's really going on with turmeric: heavy rainfall in major producing regions have trigge...

It’s family meal… but make it questionable. 🍤 This week, the crew sits down for poke bowls stuffed with shrimp that may or may not have been recalled (don’t worry—we talk about it). The team behind OGSpice Guy recap the new full-length episode where things got spicy in a different way: lead in cinnamon, contaminated spices, and why your spice rack might be more unhinged than you think. From food...

In this episode of The OG Spice Guy, HQO VP Jonathan Raju sits down with Alec Garcia, Founder and Managing Partner of New Wave Scientific, to uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes of the spice industry. From heavy metals in cinnamon and the truth about gluten-free spices to evolving industry standards and cutting-edge food safety testing, this conversation uncovers the realities of wha...

In this episode of Market Watch with OG Spice Guy, Jonathan Vaju (VP of High Quality Organics) cuts through the noise to explain what’s really happening with imported spice tariffs, why organic black pepper is getting harder (and pricier) to source, and dives into the little-known global market for cardamom seeds.

What happens when the mics stay on after the mint holiday episode? Join us in sharing a proper mojito, mixed by Jonathan, using fresh mint and organic ingredients. Along the way, the team swaps personal stories from the kitchen and behind the bar, diving into why great food and cocktails take time, intention, and a little love. The episode also weaves in cultural traditions and holiday celebration...

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 spearmi...

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 epi...

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 deepe...

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 wit...

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-...

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 cinnamo...

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 entertai...

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.

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...

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...

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 famil...