Curry leaves are not exactly the most common or easily found ingredient used in Indian food. Mainly added to provide a background note in certain regional specialties, these leaves are unknown to many westerners. Although they are relatively rare in dishes, curry leaves are valuable for providing an authentic citrus-like …
Australian best-known cuisine consists mainly of foods brought in by immigrants from Europe and, to a lesser extent, from Asia. Many of the island continent’s indigenous ingredients are unknown to outsiders, including several that are used as spices. Some of the best known Australian spices include the below. Lemon myrtle …
Herbes de Provence and Italian seasoning are two blends of European herbs that not only include some of the same herbs, but they also come from the same general part of Europe. Both the Provence region and Italy are known for their rich culinary histories that feature classic dishes that …
The term celery powder may refer to ground celery seed, dried celery juice, or dried and powdered celery. Whichever of these three products it indicates, celery powder makes it easy to add a concentrated burst of celery flavor to your food. The version made with dried celery juice can also …
Annatto seed is also known as achiote or poor man’s saffron. Its intense color allows even a small amount to greatly impact the appearance of a dish. Certain Latin American or Caribbean meat or rice dishes simply will not have an authentic look and taste unless you use this spice. …
Wasabi is a pungent member of the Brassicaceae family. It is related to both mustard and horseradish. Like horseradish, it is hot and can deliver an uncomfortable level of spiciness if you use too much of it. Its spiciness comes from isothiocyanates, which differs from the capsaicin that gives chili …
Sand ginger is one of the names for Kaempferia galanga, a rhizome used in several South East Asian dishes and that only recently has come to the attention of chefs in the West. It offers a unique flavor that may not be easy to duplicate but there are some alternatives …
The allspice berry comes from an evergreen tree that grows in Latin America and the Caribbean. In order to germinate, the seeds must be heated and softened by passing through the bodies of bats or birds. Juniper berries are European in origin and are not actual berries but pine cones. …