SPICEography 
Himalayan pink salt gets its name from the location where it is mined and its color. Pink salt comes from one place: the Khewra mines in Pakistan. Its exotic appearance has made it a trendy feature in kitchens over the last few years. Many home cooks have discovered that — …
Ribs are sometimes marinated, but the most popular way to season them in the U.S. is with a dry rib rub. A dry rub is a blend of dried and ground spices that can sometimes include herbs. Rib meat is typically fibrous and tough, so it is best cooked with …
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and salt have a lot in common, including a similar appearance. Both consist of white crystals that can differ in size and both may show up in the same types of dishes. Their similarities do not mean that they are exactly the same or that you can …
Cardamom is a spice that belongs to the same family as ginger. It is highly aromatic when fresh and extremely versatile. It shows up in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as in Scandinavian and North American desserts. It can be made into a tea or even chewed as …
Sumac is associated mainly with Middle Eastern cooking, though there is a North American variant of the spice. Its primary function is to add a tart note to foods. The flavor of sumac is like lemon and other citrus fruits, though some also liken its flavor to that of fresh …
Orange peel is versatile in that it can provide a distinctive flavor and texture to both savory and sweet dishes. You can use orange peel whole or add it to hot liquids where it will release its essential oil and thus its flavor, similar to a bouquet garni. While oranges …
Marjoram is a versatile member of the mint family that is similar to other well-known herbs; in particular, other mint relatives like thyme and oregano. One could say that it has certain distinctive characteristics of each. While marjoram can be used in a wide range of dishes, there are a …
Barberries are an important ingredient to have if you want to cook certain Iranian dishes or classic European dishes that feature game. It is not a common ingredient in many parts of the world, so you will probably have to use an alternative if you need it right away. Below …