SPICEography 
The mild flavor of annatto seeds combined with its fiery reddish-orange color makes it perfect for rice dishes. As a result, it is a popular seasoning and coloring additive in the Latin American and Asian culinary worlds. You can usually find this spice in Latin American markets in several forms: …
Lemon thyme is a type of herb that belongs to the mint family. As its name suggests, it has a strong lemon flavor that is perfect for adding a zesty touch to fish, chicken, and vegetables. In addition to its culinary uses, lemon thyme is also prized for its medicinal …
Ras el hanout is a spice mix that can contain up to 100 different spices. The mix can vary according to the maker’s preference, which means that the flavor is also variable. Spices used in many ras el hanout bends include cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, along with other less common …
Loomi is a Middle Eastern spice made from limes that have been brined and dried before being ground to a powder. Limes are indigenous to Southern Asia and are better suited for warm conditions when compared to lemons. The first limes in the Middle East may have been brought back …
Sassafras is a North American tree. Both its leaves and bark have been used in cooking for centuries, first by Native Americans and then later by European colonists. They continue to have numerous culinary applications and show up in several traditional recipes. The flavor of sassafras is considered unique among …
Coriander is a spice that consists of whole or ground coriander seeds. The coriander plant is also known as cilantro. The ground seed is much easier to use, but has a considerably shorter shelf life than whole seeds. How you store your coriander can have a significant impact on how …
Thai basil is one of many basil varieties. Sweet basil is well known for its inclusion in many Mediterranean dishes, while Thai basil plays an equally important role in Thai cuisine. Consider its use in dishes like pad ki mao (drunken noodles) and green curry. Thai basil is as important …
Fenugreek powder is made from ground fenugreek seeds. This spice comes mostly from the southern part of India and from Southern Europe. It is an ancient spice with a long history of use in food and medicine. Fenugreek is probably best known to westerners for its use in curry powder; …