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SPICE + SEASONINGS PRIMERS

Concise primers on spices and ingredients—uses, pairings, and techniques to cook and blend creatively.

a spice primer - by Rena Sak
Learn about cloves — their origin, flavor profile, best uses (whole & ground), pairing tips, and how to use them in sweet and savory recipes. Discover the history & culture behind this warming spice.
a spice primer - by Rena Sak
Nutmeg features a sweet, woody flavor, courtesy of its flavor compound, myristicin. It also contains peppery/fruity, floral, and pine-like notes. These flavors make nutmeg a a wonderfully complex spice.
a spice primer - by Rena Sak
These crimson threads, also known as ‘red gold’, have a distinctively musky, haylike aroma and impart an orangey-red hue when rehydrated.
the color of flavor
Depending on the variety of paprika - and if it's smoked - you'll encounter earthy, fruity, and often smoky notes in varying degrees. Here's a guide to navigating this colorful flavor enhancer.
a spice primer - by Rena Sak:
Turmeric has an earthy, woody, and slightly floral flavor that serves well in complex blends where it can bring other flavors together.
a spice primer - by Rena Sak:
Ginger's main flavor compound is a chemical that creates an illusion of heat. Think of it as more of a sensation, with some flavorful notes on top.
a spice primer:
The majority of Himalayan Salt comes from the Khewra Salt Mine nestled in the westernmost foothills of the Himalayas in Pakistan.
a spice primer:
Peppercorns are captivating orbs of flavor; they have a storied history and an undeniable allure in the culinary world.
a spice primer:
Natural food coloring powders are an excellent way to add vibrant hues to your dishes without resorting to artificial dyes.
a spice primer:
Despite its ubiquity in many western cultures, there is no one universal formula for a "mulled spice mix."
a spice primer:
The name is a bit of a misnomer. That is, despite the blanket name, pumpkin pie spice does not contain pumpkin.
a spice primer:
If cardamom doesn't already reside in your spice cabinet, it's time to roll out the red carpet for the Queen of Spices.
a spice primer:
Fleur de Sel is a finishing salt-sprinkle these gourmet flakes on your dishes just before serving.
a spice primer:
The ubiquity of hot chocolate in winter has done nothing to lessen our desire for the sweet treat.