SPICEography 
Oregano and mint are related. They belong to the same big family as thyme and rosemary, but that doesn’t mean they are interchangeable since the mint family is particularly diverse. If you are trying to understand the difference between oregano and mint, the SPICEography Showdown below can help. How does …
Fenugreek is one of those versatile plants that offer both an herb and a spice. The leaves and the seeds of the fenugreek plant are each able to contribute flavor. The fenugreek plant belongs to the pea family and is best known for the distinctive note it gives to food …
Cilantro and oregano are two popular culinary herbs. They are staples in many North American kitchens, and you should have both herbs on hand if you plan to cook Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes as well as Mediterranean ones. Cilantro and oregano are flavorful and versatile, so inexperienced cooks should make …
Lavender is a flowery herb used primarily in non-culinary applications because of its fragrance, though many use it in the kitchen to provide a floral flavor to foods and drinks. If you grow it in your garden, the right time to harvest it will be when the flower buds are …
Lavender and catmint are drought-tolerant plants that look a lot alike. They both have purple blooms and are aromatic. If you are a gardener, lavender and catmint are great if you want to attract bees to your garden. Both of these flowering herbs have different applications in the kitchen, even …
Cloves and star anise are both pungent spices that sometimes get used in the same dishes. Both spices are essential for bakers and for home cooks who like to prepare Chinese food. Learn what makes these spices similar and how they differ in the SPICEography Showdown below. How does clove …
Dukkah is a blend of nuts, seeds, and spices commonly associated with Egyptian cuisine. The name comes from Arabic and means to crush or pound because of how the ingredients are pounded together in the traditional versions. While you won’t find pre-made dukkah in many places, its ingredients are easy …
Caraway seeds and cumin seeds can easily be confused because of their very similar appearances. To make matters worse, caraway seeds are also called cumin in some places. The fact that the two spices resemble each other is not strange, since they both belong to the Apiaceae family, making them …