Whether you are trying to flavor up your utilitarian weeknight meal, cook a special fare for guests, or replace fats or other intolerances in your cooking, spices play a key role.
You can add a whole lot of taste and flavor for very little added caloric by wisely using herbs and spices.
Everyone should have a good starter set on hand in your spice rack.
There’s a big difference in taste and in required amounts in regards to fresh, dried whole varieties, and dried powdered products.
As general rule, fresh products normally require about half the amount of the dried versions thanks to added flavor compounds that often evaporate in the drying process.
And for hard, seed and bark type spices such as peppercorns and nutmeg, crushing with a mortar and pestle, pepper mill, spice grinder or even with a blade style coffee grinder will truly bring out the flavor.
Growing your own herb garden is an excellent way to save some hard earned cash as well as having a steady supply of leafy green type of herbs.
Although you will likely have large supply in the summer months (and an indoor herb garden can extend this), you’ll likely suffer a dearth of fresh greenery in the winter months if you live in cold climate.
This is where drying either conventionlly or using a purpose built food dehydrator comes in handy. There are also various techniques to freeze you herbs so that they are ready to use in a near fresh state.
Don’t get locked into using blends or individual spices for specific cuisines! Many of these ethnic cuisines have cross-over tastes and flavors. Think fusion! There would be no such thing a Korea/Mexican bulgoggi-taco trucks without experimentation!
To get a good overview of all herbs and spices, check out our ultimate guide where we outline 88 different types, both dried and fresh, as well as various blends.
With different varieties and cultivars, basil is an herb that offers a range of flavors and aromas. Learn how to use our seven favorites in the kitchen. We recommend what works well for classics like Italian pesto, and what will surprise and delight in recipes like buttery shortbread and refreshing popsicles. Read more.
A dish with too much spice can take on blazing intensity, making it unpalatable for all but the most hard-core of heat seekers. The good news? Even if your meal has become too hot to handle, it can be brought back from the brink of disaster! Check out our five best methods to save your dinner and your taste buds.
Want to know how to update your menu with ginger? Read our guide to discover our advice and recipes featuring this spicy rhizome, fresh or dried. With this versatile ingredient, learn how to amplify meaty mains and veggie-forward dishes, as well as bring a unique spiciness to desserts, drinks, condiments, and more.
Are you sad that your fresh herb garden has such a short life span? Your beautiful aromatics can be preserved in a variety of different ways. This helpful guide will teach you everything you need to know on how to store all of your favorite herbs at the end of the gardening season and beyond. Read more now.
Mint is an aromatic herb used in various recipes, from jelly and roasted lamb to cocktails and ice cream. And while you are likely very familiar with peppermint candy canes and spearmint gum, more exciting flavors await your discovery. Read on to discover nine types of mint that are sure to make your taste buds tingle.
Looking for the best spice rack? One that will keep everything organized? Foodal’s got you covered, with reviews of the best models. Once you discover how to efficiently organize your seasonings, you’ll have a lot more fun cooking and baking instead of rummaging around the whole time. Check out all of the options now.
Do you think wasabi is just that green blob you’re too afraid to eat on your sushi plate? Think again! Wasabi is an extraordinary rare plant with a vibrant flavor and spicy punch. Learn exactly what it is, how to buy it, how to prep and store it at home, and how to use it in your own kitchen. Read more now.
Brimming with fruity notes and complemented by an undeniably citrusy character, Szechuan peppercorns may be small, but they bring big flavor to the table. Though these pods aren’t necessarily peppery, they pack a prickly punch. Read more now for all the facts behind these magically mouth-numbing pink berries.
When you’re looking to spice things up in a new way, homemade ras el hanout offers a memorable blend of flavors that adds depth to any meal. A warm, savory combo of fragrant cinnamon, smoky cumin, spicy ginger, and more, this authentic Moroccan medley of seasonings is wonderfully aromatic. Get the recipe now.
Want to take your favorite fresh herbs and create something with truly spectacular flavor? Make easy herb-infused olive oil at home. You can use it in salad dressings, pasta dishes, artisan breads, and so much more. It takes less time than you think, and you’ll have so much fun trying different combinations. Read more.
For sweet desserts or savory entrees, herbs and spices are crucial components to full-flavored dishes for the flavor nuances they provide – aroma, complexity, depth, warm spiciness, and cooling herbal notes. Our complete guide provides all the info you need to successfully use these culinary essentials.
With the arrival of the colder seasons, the warming combination of pumpkin spice (cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg) is a welcome addition to meals and drinks alike. It’s great in baked goods like pies, muffins, pancakes and breads. And yes, it actually makes pumpkin taste better too! Read more about each spice, and learn how to make this easy mixture at home, on Foodal now!