Star anise is the prettiest of spices! The iconic star shape has eight points and is actually fruit harvested from an evergreen tree native to China and Vietnam. Star anise produces an oil that's fragrant enough to be used in cosmetics and perfumes. How Do You Use Star Anise? Star anise is used in cooking …
Spice Guides
Fennel seeds are native to the Mediterranean and are used extensively in Indian, Chinese, German, French, and Italian cooking. Fennel seeds have a licorice-like flavor and look very similar to cumin seeds. Fennel seeds are incredibly versatile and can be used in sauces (especially tomato sauces), with seafood, pork, in soups and stews, and in …
Sichuan peppercorns (also known as Szechuan peppercorns or Chinese peppercorns) are an aromatic spice from the Sichuan region of China. Although they're called pepper, they have citrus notes and are not spicy or pungent like chili pepper and black peppercorns (although they do leave a tingly feeling in your mouth). Just the husks of the …
Curry powder is a spice blend that usually contains turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Spice blends similar to curry have been used in the Indian subcontinent for over 4000 years, however, curry powder is actually a British invention created to mimic the flavors of Indian cooking. Curry blends tend to be similar in flavor to garam …
Chinese Five Spice or Five Spice Powder is an aromatic spice blend from China and Vietnam. It gets its name from using the five elements of flavor in Chinese cuisine: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory. Chinese Five Spice blends often have five ingredients, but some blends have more. It adds a perfectly balanced flavor …
If you love a delicious, warming bowl of vegetable soup, you need to know how to add lots of flavor to it. The best way to quickly add flavor to soup is to use spices or spice blends. You can make your own spice blends or purchase them pre-made. Here are some of the best …
Harissa is a spicy chili paste that originated in Libya but has been adopted by many other North African cuisines. It's made from dried, roasted red peppers, and usually includes garlic, caraway seeds, cumin, and coriander. Then it's mixed with olive oil to make it into a paste. There's also a wonderful version of harissa …
Berbere is an Ethiopian spice blend that's often used in meat and vegetable stews. It's a warm blend that adds a spicy, rich undertone to dishes. It's very versatile though and beyond using it as a marinade for meat or a base in a soup, it can be used as a topping for fruit or …
Here's how to make and use rose water for cooking and baking, plus some of our favorite rose water recipes. What is Rose Water? Rose water (sometimes spelled rosewater) is a floral water made by distilling or simmering rose petals. It's often used in Middle Eastern, Persian, and Indian cooking. It's primarily known for being …
What is Orange Blossom Water? Orange Blossom Water is a flower water (like rosewater) that’s made from the blossoms on orange trees. It’s a wonderfully floral, citrus flavor to add to baked goods, salads, and drinks. The key to using any flower water is to not overdo it. Orange blossom water adds a lovely flavor …