SPICEography 
Lemon peel and lemon zest are both great ways to add the flavor of lemon to a dish. The lemon flavor and fragrance come from the oils in the skin, which includes the compound limonene responsible for much of the smell and taste. What is the difference in flavor between …
Rice is a great side dish and easy to cook, but on its own, it tends to be somewhat plain. One of the benefits of that plainness is that it can serve as an excellent blank canvas for other stronger flavors. The herbs and spices below are among the best …
Not only is saffron expensive, it is more expensive than any other spice. The reason is that the process of harvesting it takes a long time and involves a lot of precise work. That said, it is well worth the money if you use it properly. Not only does it …
There are hundreds of different cinnamon varieties, but only a few are widely sold. And the most common of those are Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is the type most commonly used in North America – popular because of its low cost. It is relatively inexpensive because it does …
Both celery seed and celery salt can provide your food with a concentrated celery flavor. In both cases, you will be able to get an intense burst of flavor but without the fibrous bulk of celery leaves and stalks. If you are trying to choose between these two spices, you …
Shiso goes by many names, including Chinese basil and perilla. You will find shiso leaves used in various Asian cuisines both for their flavor and for their size, which makes them useful for wrapping other foods. If you cannot find this herb or need some in a hurry, consider one …
Rosemary is a popular herb in Mediterranean cooking. It grows wild in Italy, Greece, and other countries in the region. Like many of this region’s most popular flavors, the flavor of rosemary is pungent and can be divisive for precisely that reason. In order to avoid ruining your meal, you …
Sage is a popular herb in both European and American cuisine. Many Americans recognize sage as the herb that shows up in most recipes for Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. It is a member of the mint family and has a unique flavor that can be described as minty and earthy …