SPICEography 
Shichimi togarashi is also sold as Japanese seven-spice powder and is a popular seasoning for soups and noodles. It can also be used as a rub or crust on grilled meat and seafood. It exemplifies the main characteristics of Japanese cuisine with its uniquely bold but clean flavors. While there …
Safflower is cultivated mostly for its seeds, which are used to make safflower oil; however, the petals are useful as well. You can use them as a spice and as a food coloring. Consider the following uses for safflower. As a saffron substitute or enhancer Safflower is a popular replacement …
Basil and mint are both versatile herbs that belong to the Lamiaceae family. Basil is widely used in Mediterranean dishes, while mint is more popular in the Middle East and parts of Asia. These two herbs share certain qualities but also have very definite differences. Let’s compare mint and basil …
Celery salt is a versatile spice that you can use for many savory dishes and even a few cocktails. It is a concentrated form of celery herb combined with salt and is a great way to add flavors to your food or a Bloody Mary. But what do you do …
Herbes de Provence refers to a set of herbs that grow in Provence and that are emblematic of that region’s flavors. This means that the Herbes de Provence blend is a crucial ingredient if you want to make classic Provencal dishes. If buying a premixed blend is not possible or …
Elderflowers come from the elder plant and have been used in cooking and as medicine for centuries. The flowers offer a floral flavor that has many different culinary applications. If you need to make a dessert or cocktail flavored with elderflower, try to find fresh elderflowers or grow your own. …
Black pepper is arguably the world’s second most widely used spice besides salt. It is a major flavor component in many of the world’s most popular savory dishes, as it is used almost globally. Despite its role as a staple spice, there are categories of black pepper that many people …
Morocco was one of the stopping points on the ancient Spice Road between the Far East and Europe. Many of the spices that traveled through it became popular parts of the local food culture and have been used in Moroccan cooking for centuries. Along with those spices, there have been …