SPICEography – Page 198

Za’atar Seasoning Blend: The Flavor Of The Middle East

Za’atar is a truly ancient spice blend with roots that stretch back to Biblical times. The name is also used in reference to the herb thyme. There is evidence of its use in ancient Egypt and it was mentioned by Pliny the Elder.

Maimonides was a 12th-century Jewish philosopher, later described the mixture of herbs and spices. Maimonides considered za’atar brain food.

Its use as a staple of Arab cuisine would continue through medical times to the present. It also plays an important role in Palestinian households. Za’atar would eventually gain a starring role in Israeli cuisine, which it continues to hold.

Thai Basil: The Taste Of Southeastern Asia

Thai basil is native to Southeast Asia, but is believed to have originated in India; however, some experts believe that it may actually have originally come from Iran. It has been cultivated on the subcontinent for approximately 5,000 years. One relative of Thai basil is called tulasi in India and …

Mahlab: A Versatile Spice Made From Cherry Pits

Mahlab comes from the ground pits of a sour cherry called the St Lucie cherry. The “St Lucie” name comes from the Meuse Sainte-Lucie-de-Mont monastery, but the tree is actually native to western Asia. There are several different ways to spell the spice’s name, including mahalab and mahaleb; the latter …

What’s A Good Kaffir Lime Leaves Substitute?

Kaffir limes are also called makrut limes. They belong to the citrus family and the leaves of kaffir lime trees contribute to the robust, distinctive citrus flavor found throughout Thai cuisine. The unique citrus and herbaceous notes are crucial to many Thai dishes and are responsible for much of authentic …

Lavender: A Fragrant Flower And A Tasty Herb

Lavender may have originated in the Mediterranean, the Middle East or in India. This herb was used in Ancient Egypt as is evidenced by the fact that it was found inside Tutankhamen’s tomb. In Ancient Greece, the herb we know as lavender was called nardus. It was named for the …

Old Bay Seasoning: Not Just For Chesapeake Blue Crabs

Old Bay is arguably the best-known spice blend in America. It is beloved all over the country and has become a staple of many spice cabinets since it arrived on the scene in 1940. It was then that a German Jewish immigrant and former spice merchant named Gustav Brunn came …

What’s A Good Chili Powder Substitute?

As a cook, you have most likely had to deal with being out of an essential ingredient. If you are cooking Tex-Mex dishes like chili con carne, chili powder definitely falls into the essential category. That said, there is no need to panic if you are out of chili powder; …

Lovage: A Mediterranean Tradition

Lovage is a relative of parsley with seeds, leaves, and roots that can be used to flavor foods and treat medical conditions. It originated in Greece but its cultivation has spread throughout Europe into Asia and the United States. Lovage was widely used by both the ancient Greeks and the …