When people hear the word “cilantro,” most picture the bright green leaves that we see chopped up in salsa or guacamole, and that provide the distinctive citrus-like flavor common throughout Latin American cuisine. For many, cilantro adds a crisp brightness to a dish; however, others think it tastes unpleasantly soapy. …
Oregano and marjoram are two of the staple herbs in every serious cook’s spice cabinet. They both belong to the Origanum genus, which makes marjoram a type of oregano. In some places, “wild marjoram” is one of the names used for oregano. But how similar are oregano and marjoram? And …
Pepper is the most popular spice in the world and was so prized at one point in history that it was actually used as currency. In fact, European explorers were primarily seeking pepper when they found their way to the new world. Both white and black peppers come from the same …
Basil and parsley are two herbs that are well known for adding color and flavor to European-style dishes. While similar in a few ways, they have some very different qualities and applications. Familiarize yourself with basil and parsley and how they compare. How does basil differ from parsley? When most …
Oregano is a popular herb that is used to season a wide variety of dishes. As such, it has become a staple herb in even the most basic of spice collections. When working with this herb, you may have found yourself wondering if your cooking might benefit from the use …
Sage is one of the popular herbs in North American and European cuisines and is commonly used fresh or dried. Which you choose depends on what you are cooking and your priorities. To make the decision, you will have to consider factors such as: will your dish take a long …
Both turmeric and cumin are members of the ginger family and are popular spices used in Indian cuisine. While they share some similarities, there are also several key differences between these two spices. When deciding whether to use turmeric or cumin in a recipe, it is important to consider both …
Sure they’re paired in a famous Simon and Garfunkel album. And rosemary and thyme are both very popular in the spice rack, but how much do you know about their similarities and differences? How different do they taste? Do they provide similar health benefits? Can one even substitute for the other in …