Bay leaves are among the earliest spices and have been in use since ancient times. It is one of the most widely traded as well. Bay leaves are from the Mediterranean region but are popular all over the world. They are usually used in dishes that require long cooking, such …
The ground cinnamon most Americans are familiar with is actually the pulverized bark of the cassia tree. Stick cinnamon is simply bark that has not been pulverized. Even though the two forms of the spice are common and widely used, you may find yourself out of one or both. Where …
In every culture around the world, salt is seen as the most important ingredient for flavoring food. It is popular because it works; food that contains salt tastes much better than food without it. Aside from health reasons, most chefs would never seriously consider leaving salt out of their recipes. …
Cardamom’s flavor is simultaneously spicy and floral while also offering citrus and herbal notes. To put it mildly, it is a potent and versatile spice that’s delicious in both savory and sweet dishes. Its versatility can be seen in the fact that it is used in many cuisines around the …
Chinese five-spice powder is a popular and potent spice mix used in various Asian dishes. In China, its usage is limited mostly to restaurants and it is not a household staple in most regions; however, it does play a major role throughout Uyghur cuisine. If you are a fan of …
The intense herbal and lemony flavor of lemongrass is found throughout Southeast Asian cuisine. The flavor of lemongrass is not one that you can omit and still expect to have an authentic tasting dish. Having fresh lemongrass on hand is, therefore, a good idea if you want to cook dishes …
Allspice is widely used in dishes throughout the Caribbean and in Mexico. It is one of the main ingredients in Jamaican jerk seasoning, but its use has grown well beyond these roots – including being a popular holiday spice. If you run out or if you cannot find this spice …
Cilantro is known for its strong aroma and the fact that it is a popular ingredient in Latin American cuisine. This member of the carrot family is also the plant that supplies coriander, another popular seasoning. The flavor of cilantro is controversial in that while many love it, others find …