SPICEography Showdown Archives - Page 25 of 26

Ceylon Vs. Cassia Cinnamon: SPICEography Showdown

There are hundreds of different cinnamon varieties but only a few are widely sold and the most common of those are Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is the type that is most commonly used in North America and most of it comes from Indonesia. It is popular because of its low cost. It is relatively inexpensive because it does not require the labor intensive processing needed for Ceylon cinnamon. Both types of cinnamon trees are related to each other and are distant relatives of the bay tree.

So what are the differences between these two cinnamon varieties? Is one better for some uses than the other? Below we look at how these two spices differ and how you can use them to flavor your dishes in another SPICEography Showdown.

Garam Masala Vs. Curry Powder: SPICEography Showdown

Both curry powder and garam masala are spice blends that can be used to add color and flavor to a dish. While curry powder appears to be a British invention, garam masala is authentic and widely used on the sub-continent; however, the exact blend of spices used to make it varies from region to region. But what else separates these two popular Indian cuisine seasonings? How different are the spices and flavors? Let’s dive in with another SPICEography Showdown.

White Pepper Vs. Black Pepper: SPICEography Showdown

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 plant and both are useful seasonings. In order to use these spices effectively, it is important to know how they differ in terms of appearance and flavor. Let’s breakdown the similarities and differences in another SPICEography Showdown.

Allspice Vs. Cloves: SPICEography Showdown

How similar are allspice and cloves? What are the major differences between these two spices? In this SPICEography Showdown, we compare allspice and cloves side by side to take a look at what exactly separates these two fragrant and popular spices.

Garlic Powder Vs. Garlic: SPICEography Showdown

Garlic is one of the most popular and commonly-used ingredients in kitchens all over the world. It’s also one ingredient that a lot of chefs have strong, passionate opinions on when it comes to the question of how garlic powder should be used.

Many chefs and culinary hobbyists have a purist view on garlic, refusing to cook with anything but fresh garlic cloves. However, garlic powder does have a place in the kitchen. Before you dismiss garlic powder as inferior, let’s take a closer look at these ingredients so you can decide for yourself whether or not to stock your kitchen with both fresh cloves and garlic powder. What are the similarities? What are the differences? Let’s take a look.

Fresh Oregano Vs. Dried: SPICEography Showdown

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 …

Turmeric Vs. Cumin: SPICEography Showdown

Popular curry spices go head-to-head…

Over the past several years, Westerners have begun to sit up and take notice of herbs, spices and seasonings that have been used in other parts of the world for thousands of years. Two spices of particular interest are turmeric and cumin. Ethnic foods like curry dishes continue to rise in popularity, with more and more people cooking up their own homemade curries. Both turmeric and cumin lend their characteristic flavors and heat to these dishes.

Rosemary Vs. Thyme: SPICEography Showdown

Sure they’re paired in a famous Simon and Garfunkel album…

And rosemary and thyme are both very popular in the spice rack, but how much do you know about their similarities and differences? How different do they taste? Do they provide similar health benefits? Can one even substitute for the other in a pinch? You’ll learn all this and more in another SPICEography Showdown.