Star anise and anise seed are two spices that not only sound similar, but they also have similar flavors. Their flavors are enough alike that some cooks consider them interchangeable. Both spices are versatile enough to stay in the background as they do in some spice blends and savory dishes …
Agave syrup recently emerged as a trendy sweetener and was promoted as being healthier than sugar. It is an effective sweetener that has a number of valuable benefits, but is it the same as sugar in terms of its flavor? Can be it used as a sugar substitute? The answers …
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 …