Goji berries have become popular in the West because of their reputed potential for increasing health and longevity. While there is still not a lot of hard scientific evidence regarding their benefits, goji berries may be useful for the prevention or treatment of numerous serious diseases. If you would like …
Orange peel is versatile in that it can provide a distinctive flavor and texture to both savory and sweet dishes. You can use orange peel whole or add it to hot liquids where it will release its essential oil and thus its flavor, similar to a bouquet garni. While oranges …
Barberries are an important ingredient to have if you want to cook certain Iranian dishes or classic European dishes that feature game. It is not a common ingredient in many parts of the world, so you will probably have to use an alternative if you need it right away. Below …
Long pepper, native to India, may have been the first pepper ever to show up in Europe. While it fell out of favor a few centuries ago, it has made a resurgence in the modern era. It offers a deep and complex flavor that makes it as versatile as regular …
Meringue powder is one of the most convenient ways to add meringue to your recipes. It is also a safer option when compared to fresh egg whites, which may come with a risk of salmonella contamination. However, meringue powder is not available everywhere and is not a perfect meringue substitute …
Dashi is a difficult ingredient to replace. Many Japanese food experts will tell you that it is impossible and that you would be better off not trying. To a certain extent, they are right. The complex umami character of dashi is difficult to replace; however, there are ingredients that can …
Khmeli suneli (dried spices) is a Georgian spice blend that shows up in many different recipes from the Caucuses, from soups and stews to grilled meats and vegetables. It is often compared to garam masala. While it can have certain spices in common with garam masala, khmeli suneli also has …
Burdock root is a root vegetable used mostly in dishes from Japan and Taiwan, from soups to stir-fry. For instance, it is essential if you are trying to make an authentic version of the Japanese dish kinpira gobo. If you cannot find it, you may be able to replace it …