Saffron is a spice that is known for its ability to provide an attractive color and an appealing flavor to various dishes including Spanish paella and Indian biryani. You can buy it in powder form or you can buy saffron threads. It is important to note the difference between these forms as you will need […]

Cloves are pungent and versatile enough to be used in both savory and sweet dishes. This spice shows up in many spice blends including ras el hanout and pumpkin pie spice. Even a small amount of excess cloves can easily overwhelm all the other flavors in a dish, making that dish taste of cloves and […]

The floral, minty notes of cardamom quickly become unpleasantly medicinal if you use too much of it. Failing to exercise moderation with this spice can make your dish inedible. Cardamom works best when it is used as a background note for other flavors, not when it is the only thing that you can taste. While […]

Coriander is a versatile spice that shows up in curries, beer and can be used to add complexity to a dry rub. Coriander typically works best as a complement to other spices and stronger flavors; in other words, it works best as a background note. You have to use a lot for it to become […]

Garlic is one of the most universally beloved seasonings. Almost every single food culture makes use of it. It is so popular that there are many people who refuse to believe that you can use too much of it. However, the reality is that garlic’s flavor is intense and can overpower the other flavors in […]

Parsley is a relatively mild herb that is most popular for its appearance, which makes it an attractive and versatile garnish. Less commonly, it is used for its flavor which can be bright and almost citrusy when used in reasonable quantities. If you have accidentally added too much to a dish, the herbaceous quality that […]

Making your own curry from scratch may seem easy, but can be tricky for a novice cook. Knowing how much of each spice to use can be especially confusing. Because individual spices can vary greatly in terms of pungency, you can wind up adding too much or too little of a spice even if you […]

Nutmeg is a delightful spice when used in small amounts. It is a key component of apple pie spice as well as pumpkin pie spice and can stand on its own as well. The big problems with nutmeg only show up when you use too much of it. Not only can extra nutmeg give food […]

Ginger is a popular spice used in many Asian dishes and it is included in a number of dessert recipes as well. Its pleasant zesty flavor can complement other spices or stand on its own as the main flavor in a dish. However, you only get its benefits if you use it correctly. Too much […]

Mint is a highly versatile herb with a host of both savory and sweet applications. It can brighten a salad or add a delightful sweetness to snickerdoodles. You will only get these benefits when it is used in moderation. When used in excess, this herb can become overpowering and unpleasant. If you have added more […]