SPICEography 
Saffron is a spice that is known for its ability to provide an attractive color and an appealing flavor to various dishes, including Spanish paella and Indian biryani. You can buy it in powder form, or you can buy saffron threads. It is important to note the difference between these …
Cumin is a spice that is heavily used in Mexican cooking as well as in Indian, African, and Malaysian dishes. It provides an earthy flavor with nut and citrus notes that is described by some as being slightly bitter. It is one of the most important ingredients in curry powder …
Miso has gone from being a mysterious Asian ingredient to being relatively commonplace in just a few years. Miso is a fermented paste consisting of soybean blended with other grains like rice and barley. There are different kinds of miso with different properties, so they aren’t all suitable for the …
Shoyu and miso are both made from fermenting soybeans and other grains. They share a history that connects them to Ancient Chinese jiang, a soy paste. In the centuries since the invention of jiang, it made its way to Japan, where shoyu and miso have become key ingredients in that …
A lack of nutmeg should not keep you from making a recipe that calls for it. Most ingredients in cooking are replaceable if you are willing to research the substitutes and learn how to use them correctly. Nutmeg may seem like a difficult flavor to replace, but it can be …
Vinegar is an easy way to add a tart note to many foods and is essential for marinades, salad dressings, and pickles. On the other hand, too much vinegar (whether balsamic vinegar or another type) can make a dish unpleasant to eat. If you have added more vinegar than a …
Tarragon has a distinctive flavor that many people simply don’t care for. Whether you’ve found a recipe you’d love to try making without the use of this ingredient or you simply don’t have any on hand, several herbs make a great substitute for tarragon. Dried tarragon as a substitute for …
Many recipes call for rosemary and with its distinct and complex flavor, you may find yourself without this vital ingredient and thinking you won’t possibly be able to save your dish. While it’s true that there is no other herb or spice with a flavor quite like it, there are …