SPICEography 
Allspice and nutmeg are often paired with each other. This, along with the fact that they have certain flavor similarities, can lead to some confusion if you are not familiar with these two spices. But there are differences. Let’s compare these two spices so that you can use them more …
Green peppercorns are a go-to spice for certain classic French dishes and many Thai ones as well. They are worth keeping in your spice cabinet if you are a fan of recipes from either of those two food cultures; however, you may have a hard time finding them if you …
Black mustard seeds are so widely used in cuisines from around the world that every serious cook should keep them on hand. They are a flavorful addition to everything from salad dressings to dry rubs. But there are times you need a substitute. If you cannot find them at your …
Garlic powder comes with a lot of upsides: it has a long shelf life and keeps you from having to peel or smash cloves. It also has some downsides, including how easy it is to add too much of it to a dish by accident. The lid of the bottle …
Cacao and cocoa powder both come from the same plant. The difference between them has to do with how they are processed. The process for making cocoa powder involves raising it to much higher temperatures than those to which cacao is exposed. This results in two products with different characteristics, …
Turmeric is the ginger-like rhizome best known in the West for giving curry powder its bright yellow color. You may find the fresh variety in grocery stores that cater to an Indian clientele. Turmeric powder is common enough that you may find it in the spice aisles of most Western …
Italian seasoning is an American blend of Mediterranean seasonings, meant to simplify the process of making Italian dishes. You don’t need Italian seasoning to make authentic Italian dishes, but it can be beneficial if you want to make some of the popular American versions. It is also versatile and can …
Thyme is an extremely fragrant Mediterranean herb that has been used in Italian, French, and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It has made its way around the world and can be found in American and Caribbean dishes as well. Thyme’s pungency is one of its greatest benefits, but can be …