SPICEography 
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) are unrelated plants that have a few things in common but a lot of differences. Here’s where things can get confusing: hibiscus is called sorrel in some parts of the world. If you are attempting to use one or the other, it is …
Sorrel is a popular herb in Europe and can be found in certain parts of North America. Its tart flavor makes it a good complement for fatty fish like salmon and for eggs. Sorrel can even be used in soup; sorrel soup was a popular dish during the colonial era. …
Summer savory is a versatile herb with a flavor profile that is indicated by its name — it is known for making dishes more savory. If you have experience with other strong herbs like oregano and thyme, you can think of summer savory as falling into the same category. Here …
Tarragon is often described by French chefs as the king of herbs and is widely used in French cooking; in fact, it is one of the major French fines herbes. There are two main varieties of this herb: French and Russian. Most cooks agree that the French version is the …
Sansho pepper is essential for a traditional Japanese take on fatty dishes like grilled eel and duck. Its heat and citrus notes are great complements for both of those proteins, but the spice may not be the easiest to find in an emergency. If you need a fast sansho pepper …
Agar agar powder is an essential ingredient if you want to make certain Asian candies or if you want a vegan gelling agent. The downside is that it is not a widely used ingredient, which means that you may not find it in most grocery stores. If you need something …
Sugar is commonplace and familiar to all cooks. Whether it is crystallized or in the form of a syrup, sugar is a key component of desserts and of many entrees as well. In the hands of a cook who can exercise restraint, it can enhance flavors and textures or it …
Celtic sea salt and table salt are found in many kitchens and serve the same fundamental purpose of adding flavor to food. Even though they both have salt in the name, they differ dramatically and should you can use each of them differently. Let’s compare the two to help you …