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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …