Spices

Lemon verbena is an herb that is native to Chile and Peru, and it can grow as much as five feet in one growing season, up to almost 15 feet tall. It will retain its scent for years when dried, so...

Capsicum is fruit of the pepper plant. Not all peppers are hot and spicy, but those that are get their heat from a chemical called capsaicin. The Scoville Heat Scale, developed by the chemist...

Coconut oil is a natural oil that has many health benefits. When consumed, it can help lower the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis. It can also be used in cosmetics, such as lotion, soap,...

Most spices sold at grocery stores are ground powders contained in small jars. Since they are mass-produced, you never know how potent the spice powder will be, plus lower-priced brands may...

Growing your own stevia plant gives you access to an all-natural alternative to sugar. Stevia leaf is sweeter than sugar, so you need much less in recipes. You can use the leaves of a stevia plant...

Household sugar is often made from sugar cane, but this is not the only source of sugar. When making sugar at home, it is more sensible to extract it from sugar beets, since these are easier to...

Garlic is a popular seasoning in just about every style and ethnicity of cooking. For those who love it, the taste of garlic can make any meal delicious, making it the perfect choice for the...

Sea salt is obtained by evaporating ocean water, and is used in both food and for cosmetic purposes. Sea salt contains a diferent mineral content from table salt, which is made by creating sodium...

There are a number of ways to separate salt from water, but if you are interested in obtaining the salt rather than obtaining the sodium-free water, the easiest method is evaporation. It's a...

Rosehips are a part of the rose that emerges after the bloom dies. It is a seed pod that is edible along with the rose petals after it is cooked or dried (as long as the rose plant was never...

A1 has a special zip and zeal to it that you will be able to nearly duplicate in your own home! My friend and I have tried this sauce a couple times and after you make it once, the effort pays...

Balsamic vinegar is made by reducing grapes that are boiled to syrup. After the syrup is reduced, it is stored in wooden barrels to allow the vinegar to acetify. Older balsamic is added to the...

A magnetic spice rack is much more chic and space-efficient than the clunky counter top version. No doubt you’ve seen them for sale at trendy kitchen-ware stores, and you were probably surprised...

This article is intended to help those who are literally addicted to salt consumption and those who just want to curb how much they eat. New research shows that salt is not as bad for us as we...

Paprika is made from bonnet peppers, which are some of the hottest peppers around. They are irregularly shaped and grow to be yellow, orange or red. The seeds and white ribs in the center of the...

Turmeric powder is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. In India, turmeric is called haldi. The powder is used as a spice and as an herbal supplement throughout the world. The root is...

This is my Cajun Sausage, Chicken, and Okra gumbo recipe, and it is authentic because I am 100% Cajun.

When it comes to using medicinal plants and herbs, I prefer to cook with them if I can. Now, most of you probably use herbs and spices in your cooking--but did you know that they are also...

The ginger root, cultivated on every continent, originated in China and is still popular today in many Asian dishes. Prized for its sweet, mildly pungent flavor and aroma, ginger enhances American...

Sazón is the base of most meals prepared in the Dominican Republic. In other countries of the Caribbean it is known as Sofrito. Dominican sazón is an all purpose seasoning made with...

Nutmeg has a warm, spicy, nutty flavor that perks up cookies, breads and other baked goods. It is also a vital ingredient in eggnog. However, the volatile oils in this spice make the ground...

James Beard, the famous American chef and food writer, once said, “I believe that if ever I had to practice cannibalism, I might manage if there were enough tarragon around.” Common...

Curry powder is a blend of 10 to 20 different key spices. Popular in Indian cuisine, curry can add flavor to your cooking in many ways. Curry comes in a number of varieties and you can whip up...

Pumpkin flour is a wonderful & healthy substitute for use in any recipe calling for flour. It's rich in vitamins & minerals, some believed to have medicinal benefits also !!

Get the basics on how to make a customizable spice rub to flavor grilled and roasted meat. The creation will be uniquely your own. Made in larger quantities, it can be an excellent homemade gift.

Mace is a spice native to Indonesia and comes from the nutmeg tree. It's made from the waxy red stripes that cover a nutmeg seed. It tastes like a spicy, peppery version of nutmeg and is a...

Oilseed processing refers to the method of extracting oils from oil-rich seeds and nuts like sunflower seeds, coconuts, and mustard seeds. Though done commercially, extracting oil from oilseed is...

Yes, the herb commonly known as sage is a mainstay of some Native American rituals, but that's not its only popular use here in America. Organic culinary people use it to flavor meats and gravy,...

Smoked pork ribs are a common food prepared over low heat and cooked for a long time. The time spent slow cooking the pork allows the prepared rub of spices to infuse the meat with flavor. Rubs...

Any good chef knows that it's a must to begin a meal with quality ingredients and spices. The good news is, it doesn't require a culinary degree or a professional kitchen to have a spice...

The holidays are the perfect time to try out new recipes. With pumpkin being a time-honored holiday favorite this recipe is sure to please.

Here's how to dry fresh herbs to use later in your kitchen.

Here are tips on how to freeze fresh herbs for later use in the kitchen.

Creating your own personal herb blend can add flavor to your cooking. You can grow your own herbs making the blend truly personal. You can also use fresh or dried herbs found at your local grocer....

The scented geraniums come in such a variety of flavors and scents that you could designate an entire greenhouse to them. If you love apricot, they have it. If mint is your preference, taste...

This ancient spice was highly valued in many cultures, and even now, in many places, it's relatively expensive. But a little can go a long way. The flavorful seed can add a lot to many dishes...

The number of BBQ rubs that can be concocted is virtually unlimited. A great rub recipe can be ruined by poor preparation. There are a few general rules that should be followed to ensure that the...