The Hallett family of Largo, from left, daughter Kyra, Robert and his wife, Dolores, set up their business, Shark Attack Spices, during the fourth annual Pepper Fest June 5-6 in Pinellas Park.
PINELLAS PARK – The temperatures soared past 90 degrees June 5-6, but that didn’t stop people from attending the fourth annual Pepper Fest.
The event was held at England Brothers Band Shell and Town Square Plaza Park.
Spicy food lovers had the opportunity to sample some great barbecue. Vendors sold plants, crafts and other items. There was live music and even a pepper eating contest.
Among the vendors plying their trade were Legends BBQ of St. Petersburg, Shark Attack Spices of Largo and the Chili Police that sold a variety of hot items.
Spices come from seeds, fruit, roots, barks and vegetative substances that are used as food additives for flavor or as preservatives to kill harmful bacteria. Many spices are used as medicine, in religious rituals, cosmetics and perfumes.
The earliest use of spice by humans was around 50,000 B.C. when the spice trade developed in the Middle East with cinnamon and pepper. Egyptians used herbs for embalming and their need for exotic herbs helped stimulate world trade. By 1000 B.C. China and India had a medical system based upon herbs. Early uses were connected with magic, medicine, religion, tradition, and preservation.
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