SPICEography 
Fennel is a perennial flowering plant that is related to parsley. While the root and stalk can be cooked as vegetables, the seeds are a popular spice. Throughout history, fennel seeds have been used in various dishes as well as to freshen the breath after a meal. They are traditionally …
When you use it with restraint, cilantro can add a bright, fresh flavor to many dishes. It is especially important for Mexican favorites like salsa and guacamole, but it is also a significant element in Indian, Chinese and Thai cooking. However, the zippy freshness that cilantro brings can become unpleasant …
Oregano is the herb everyone thinks of when making pizza sauce or pasta sauce. It is a common ingredient in many Greek recipes as well. In short, its zesty bite and slight peppery edge make it a versatile addition to a large number of savory dishes. This is one of …
Saffron is the stigma (or stamen) of the high-maintenance crocus flower. It is widely used in a range of savory dishes that include paellas, risottos, and pilafs. Saffron is prized among serious cooks, not just because of its unique flavor but also because of how expensive it is. Saffron is …
Cumin is an extremely assertive spice. In other words, it can quickly obliterate the other flavors in a dish if you use too much of it. Whether you are using whole cumin seeds or ground cumin, adding too much can render your dish unpalatable. If this has happened to you, …
Coriander is from the parsley family. The seeds of the plant are ground to make the coriander spice while the leaves and stems are called cilantro. If you are preparing a dish and find that you have no coriander, you have two options: you can either run to the grocery store, …
What is champagne vinegar? Champagne vinegar is also known as vinaigre de Reims or Reims vinegar because it comes from Reims. Reims is a town in France’s Champagne region. Champagne vinegar is a wine vinegar made from Champagne wine, so its history is closely tied to that of the wine. …
Thyme is a popular and very aromatic herb grown in Europe and is related to mint. There are numerous different varieties of thyme. It provides a sweet and earthy flavor to many dishes, and is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. As it is a well-known and widely used herb, most …