Spices & Seasonings

From the Ghost Pepper to the Carolina Reaper, this article ranks the 10 hottest peppers in the world. It provides a brief overview of each pepper's heat output (in regard to Scoville Heat Units), flavor, and overall taste.

Make your own seasoning blends instead of buying them! It's quick and easy, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Check out these 10 recipes!

Learn how to dry and store hara dhaniya (fresh cilantro) so that it keeps well for a year. Recipe video included.

You can make a spectacular tasting green peppercorn sauce by reading this recipe. Learn about the differences between the different colors of peppercorns derived from the same plant and how it is grown, plus health benefits. The history of the spice trade is also fascinating.

In addition to adding flavor to fish dishes and pickles, dill boosts our bone health and immunity. Learn more about this versatile herb that's essential to have in your herb garden or on your spice rack.

Given that I have an abundance of mint in my garden, I thought I would share some ideas for using the fragrant leaves.

The foods of Japan, Thailand, China, and India are redolent with bold, exotic seasonings. Do you know how to use them?

Indian cuisine makes frequent use of different types of masala powders. "Masala" simply means "blend of spices," and a masala powder is the ground powder of a whole spice mixture. Let's take a look at the top 15 most important masala powders in Indian cuisine.

Even many good cooks don't know the differences between condiments, herbs, spices, and seasonings. Do you know the differences?

Cajun seasoning originated in Louisiana where delicious Cajun cuisine is popular. In this article, I'll tell you how to use it, what some of the best brands are, and how to whip up your own homemade blend.

For the freshest herbs and spices, I go at Penzeys, a Wisconsin-based shop with locations in 30 states in the U.S. If you are not in one of the states in which they operate, check out their catalog sales.

When did vanilla become synonymous with bland and boring? Let's learn its history and how to use it in innovative ways (no cupcakes).

Furloughed chef? Working from home? If you're a foodie at home with a lot more time on your hands, why not take the opportunity to incorporate some new flavors into your cooking? These four rare, exotic spices have a lot to offer, and I guarantee you'll be the only person you know who uses them.

Turmeric tantalizes our taste buds but can it heal our bodies, as well? Let’s examine the history of this golden spice, its medicinal uses, and how to include it in our diets.

Mint spreads out and graces our gardens all summer long. From mint juleps to garnishing iced sun tea and salads, mint helps us celebrate these longer days and sultry nights by adding a cooling touch to all the foods and drinks we set out on our tables.

Any food prepared with rosemary is a comfort food. It has a distinct flavor with a calming essence. Find out more about the history and nutritional value of this herb, and try the recipe at the end.

In this world, there is no other aroma, flavor, or color like saffron, but what sets it apart from all other spices is how it is harvested. Learn the history of this “red gold” and how to use it in your kitchen.

Thyme has been a symbol of courage since ancient history, carried into battle by Roman soldiers. It was also used to heal people touched by the Black Plague. Included in this article is a recipe for a tasty side dish of mushrooms sauteed with butter, thyme, and lemon juice.

Making your own onion powder at home is a great way to save yourself time, money, and the headache of having to wait to go to the store and buy some more when you run out. It's much healthier, too, as you know exactly what's going into the product you are making, without any chemicals and fillers.

This recipe is about making your own homemade corn silk spice. Corn silk is an amazing food item that is generally overlooked and tossed in the trash. It is the long, silky fibers found inside an ear of corn's husk. It is packed with tons of nutrients and used to treat a variety of maladies.

This article will give you the information you need for making your own dried parsley at home. Homemade items are always better, healthier, and cheaper than the grocery store. With a simple dehydrator, you can do so much for your family and their diet, including drying your own herbs.

Follow my step-by-step procedure on how to make crispy fried garlic bits. These flavorful bits enhance the aroma and the texture of many kind of dishes.

Making your own spice mixes is a quick and easy way to stock your home with your favorite spices without all of the extra ingredients you'll find at the store. I love either growing or buying my own fresh veggies and dehydrating them at home for fresh spices in my cupboard when I need them.

If you think cilantro (coriander) tastes bad, then you are part of the 20% of the population that is genetically offended by the herb. These people have a variation of olfactory-receptor genes that allows them to detect aldehydes—a compound found in cilantro that is also a by-product of soap.

Chili flakes are a multi-purpose culinary ingredient. They are made with dry red chilies. We use this versatile item for making snacks, salads, curries, side dishes, etc. You can easily make it at home and use it for months.

Paprika wasn't an exotic spice of the Far East. It originated in the New World, was introduced to Europe and then spread to Asia. More than a pretty garnish, it's used in many dishes. Recipes here!

Say "no" to table salt. Find out why and why you need to get Himalayan pink salt instead.

Garlic chutney powder (dry chutney) is one of the best condiments you can think of. It is delicious as well as nutrient-rich. This spicy, pungent side dish enhances the taste of your meal.

Spicy chutney powders make a yummy side dish. You can make these powders, and they stay fresh for months. This roasted split chickpea and white lentil dry chutney is very tasty and aromatic.

If you want to preserve basil from your garden, one of the easiest ways is to freeze it. That way, even when winter draws in, you'll still be enjoying the benefits of a summer harvest.

Which spices go well together? Which herbs taste best with which ingredients? Here, you'll find a flavor pairing guide to help you get creative in the kitchen and create delicious dishes, including unusual and international spices.

Pre-packaged soup, seasoning, salad, and dry-rub mixes are certainly convenient, but they are expensive and loaded with salt. You can make your own for mere pennies. And they make great gifts, too.

Ginger and garlic are often used in cooking, especially in South Asia. Instead of mincing a small quantity of ginger and garlic each time, make some ginger-garlic paste and refrigerate it.

Everyone knows a low-sodium diet is healthy, but no one wants to eat bland, flat-tasting foods. Here's the secret to halving your sodium intake, while enjoying salt in your recipes, and at your table.

15 over-the-top and totally unnecessary pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice products.

This is a quick, step-by-step guide for harvesting and storing basil, oregano, cilantro, mint, parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, and chives with pictures.

A fiery assault on the mouth, and through the digestive system, that some can’t resist.

If you've never used a bouquet garni, you're in for a treat. Rather than one herb, these are a collection of herbs. Here's an easy recipe on how you make it and use it.

Cooking with essential herbs Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, Chives, Coriander, including recipes and ideas for healthy meals using herbs for home cooks.

Cilantro: Most love it; some abhor it. I can't promise to change your mind, but it is used in so many cuisines that I think it's worth a closer look. Join me as we explore the history and use of this herb.

This post discusses how to substitute dried rosemary for fresh, with great tips on how to dry rosemary.

Garlic is a superfood, lauded for its potential health benefits. Use this homemade garlic chutney powder daily in your cooking.

Add protein to dishes with these 22 spices. From picky kids, to vegan friends and family adding protein is easy as can be.

Native to Greece but hardy in much of the world, oregano is bold and pungent, but also delightfully floral. Let me show you how to grow and use this lush green herb.

Does a shaker of cayenne pepper linger in your pantry? Cayenne—a fiery red spice feared by many…until now. With a bit of history and a few recipes I can help you warm up to cayenne.

This easy dry rub recipe is great for all your bbq fish and is especially good with salmon and arctic char. Get ready for summer bbq season and perfect grilled fish.

This native of southern Russia, the Mediterranean, and western Africa is sweet, fragrant, versatile, and easy to grow. Join me for hints on how to cultivate and use dill in a variety of dishes.

Curries and couscous, tagines and tacos—foods with very distinct flavors. But they all share one common element—cumin. Learn how this fragrant herb has become central to cooking throughout the world.

Abundant in France, tarragon has been deemed the "king of herbs." Although its robust anise taste is best used sparingly, you will love the flavor it imparts to salads, chicken, and mild fish dishes.