Make the most of culinary herbs and spices.

 

All About Herbs and Spices Articles

Find more articles about cooking, gardening and more on the Features Page.

All About Shiso

 

Shiso, perilla, beefsteak plant--by any name it's a tasty herb that's lovely to look at as well. If shiso is new to you, keep reading. We tell you all about it, how to grow it and provide links to recipes that show how to put it to work in your kitchen.

All About Nasturtiums

 

Looking for an easy to grow herb that is packed with flavor and overflowing with color? Think nasturtium. Make room for this lovely plant in the garden and you will be rewarded with tasty tidbits to enjoy in the kitchen later.

All About Sumac

 

As the world becomes a smaller place our spice shelves deepen. Sumac is one spice you may not have heard of yet but you will definitely want to know it. And try it. Why not add this Za'atar-Tomato Appetizer to your next tapas table?

All About Juniper Berries

 

Not many spices come with a warning label but juniper berries could use one: Not to be ingested by pregnant women, children under 12 and those with breast cancer or kidney disease.  That said, read on if you would like to know more about this common plant but uncommon spice.

All About Filé Powder

 

Good gumbo can be made from an assortment of ingredients but it is often said, you can't call it  authentic gumbo without filé. Don't know what that is? Read on and then fire up the stove to give the recipe for Yankee Cajun Gumbo a try.

All About Mace

 

Legend has it that the birds are intoxicated on the islands where nutmeg grows because the aroma is so strong. Mace grows there too. Perhaps you would like to munch on some Chocolate Cherry Chews as you read more about this unusual spice.

All About Shallots

 

Meet the Allium family. You know garlic and onion, scallion and chive but are you familiar with the elusive shallot?  Perhaps the most friendly one of the bunch, you'll want to get to know the it well. This recipe for Spiral Shallot Bread is an easy to prepare showstopper.

All About Lavender

 

What's gray-green and wooly, spindly and special, not to mention as good for your mood as it is for your tastebuds? Why, lavender, of course!  Now is the time to use it for more than just desserts. Unless you want to try this recipe for Fresh Fruit and Lavender Parfaits first.

All About Lemon Balm

 

Lemon balm may not be much to look at but the delightful fragrance is irresistible to children, bees and gardeners. Don't be confused by its many names. Try it in your tea or sniff it to lift your spirits, you can call it whatever you like. You will surely call it yummy when you prepare this tasty side dish of Snow Peas with Almonds and Lemon Balm.

All About Epazote

 

Maybe you have heard about it, maybe you have wondered about it but epazote is still working on its reputation. Find out all about this unusual Latin American herb and soon you will be adding authenticity to some of your favorite dishes.  Try it first in this recipe for a colorful Corn and Black Bean Salad with Tortilla Strip Croutons.

All About Horseradish

 

Apollo has been quoted as saying, "The radish is worth its weight in lead; the black radish in silver--but the horseradish, in gold!"  Surely he would have found this recipe for a Mardi Gras Bloody Mary worth its weight in doubloons.

All About Turmeric

 

With over 70,000 acres under cultivation, it is no secret that Indians love their turmeric. Perhaps you will enjoy the lore behind this important component to curry powder as well as the recipe for silky, golden Turmeric Pasta rolled into cheese-stuffed ravioli.

All About Anise

 

There is more to the taste of anise seed than just black jelly beans. Learn how this pretty plant has been used through the ages and then bring it into your own kitchen when you bake up a batch of Anise-Almond Kisses.

All About Savory

 

Ever wonder what the difference is between summer savory and winter savory?  Thinking of trying some new plants in your garden?  Want to punch up your soups and spice up your eggs?  Look no further, you'll find all the savory

answers right here.  You may find this recipe for White Bean Puree with toasted pita chips to be the answer next time you need an easy, tasty appetizer.

All About Cloves

 

Shaped like nails, cloves may be one of the most easily recognized spices.  Cloves are said to symbolize dignity, perhaps because they have been prized throughout the ages.  Read all about this pungent spice and get some ideas for how to use them in your kitchen.

All About Rosemary

 

Whether you want to spice up your bath water or add some flavor to your chicken, rosemary will help you out. If you want to secure your beloved's affection, rosemary tapped on their fingers is said to do that too. Test that theory as you mix up a batch of this Rosemary-Orange Mustard.

All About Basil

 

The first in our series of All About... articles has been expanded.  Learn about basil's history and how to grow it then tempt your lover with some basil pesto.

All About Mint

 

One thing about mint is that you have choices that go far beyond spearmint and peppermint. Find out about its romantic history and usefulness today. And don't miss this unusual recipe for Mint Pesto Brownies.

All About Fenugreek

 

Watch out for this up-and-coming new star of the spice world. Fenugreek is revealing itself to medical researchers in surprisingly healthful ways. Look no further for information about the plant, the spice and the culinary secrets of the useful fenugreek plant. This recipe for homey and versatile Fenugreek Stuffing will certainly make your stomach feel better.

All About Peppercorns

 

Sailors on the first ships to carry peppercorns were required to have their pockets sewn closed to prevent them from squirreling away any of the precious cargo. Today, meals around the world are rarely prepared without pepper in some form. This springtime side dish, Skillet Steamed Swiss Chard, just wouldn't be the same without freshly ground black pepper.

All About Arugula

 

Introducing an herby vegetable that's easy to grow and tastes great! Available for harvest in less than 50 days after planting, arugula is a can't-miss hit in the garden as well as the kitchen. Try it on pizza, in salads or right now with this recipe for Quick Garbanzo Bean Toss.

All About Saffron

 

If it costs $800 a pound, it had better be good, right? Saffron lays claim to the most expensive spice in the world but it is mighty tasty. Find out why it costs so much then try cooking with the culinary gold yourself by preparing a pot of Sausage and Potato Stew with Saffron

All About Vanilla

 

If you think of vanilla as unimaginative, even downright plain, it's time for another look. From a beautiful orchid grows a sophisticated flavor you may be taking for granted. Grab a bottle of Madagascar's best and whirl up this creamy and rich Pina Colada Sorbet.

All About Mustard

 

Mustard deserves more credit. It's one of the least expensive spices, has a fascinating history and it's available in a variety of colors and forms. But, best of all, it adds zip to way more than hot dogs! Sample it now in this recipe for Braised Pork Chops with Creamy Mustard Sauce.

All About Annatto

 

Ever wonder what makes your butter yellow or your cheese orange? The Spanish call it achiote but there's more to this spice than just coloring foods. Once you make your own "golden oil," you'll find a million ways to cook with it.

All About Cardamom

 

What do the Near East and Scandinavia have in common? Half the world's consumption of cardamom takes place in these two regions. Not familiar with this intense spice? Whip up a batch of Cardamom-Pecan Scones and taste what you're missing.

All About Crushed Red Pepper

 

To banish bland foods with a flick of the wrist, you need some heat. Red pepper flakes will do the job. Try this recipe to pep up your pasta, too.

All About Oregano

 

Supposed cousin to marjoram, oregano seems to stir up a great deal of controversy. No one knows quite what to call it but we all know it tastes good. Find a recipe for Anytime Pizza to use with the Pizza Herb right here.

All About Garlic

 

All hail the pungent one! "They" say it's good for you but "they" have known that for ages. If you love it a little or a lot, be sure to try "Dad's Pickled Garlic." He swears that it wards off mosquitoes...

All About Cumin

 

Used throughout the ages all around the world, cumin has reached new levels of popularity in the last few years. If you haven't tried it yet, tempt your taste buds right away with this recipe for hearty breakfast tacos.

All About Coriander

 

cartoon lab guy grapicThe flavor of coriander has applications that reach far beyond cooking. You won't want to miss using it in this award winning chili recipe.

All About Bay Leaves

 

Greek scholars wore a wreath of laurel leaves to show academic achievement. This is where we get the word "baccalaureate," meaning laurel berries. Poet laureates were also crowned with bay leaves. Want to know more? Read on....

All About Celery Seeds

 

Tiny in form, large in flavor, celery seed is an important part of your spice cabinet. Find out why before you get your skillet sizzling with the Hot German Potato Salad recipe.

All About Cinnamon

 

Everyone knows that cinnamon is a warm and fragrant addition to foods from toast to curry. But how many know that it is actually tree bark? Learn all about this spice and then try it in a tasty hot cereal made from quinoa.

All About Cayenne Pepper

 

You know the flavor well but did you know that cayenne made its way to you via the Mayflower? Just a dash will add zip to any dish but a bit more makes this recipe for Hot Crackers really sing.

All About Chives

 

Delicate chives compliment just about every savory dish you can imagine. Try them as a colorful garnish or last minute addition where a mild onion flavor is desired. Or try them in this recipe for not-so-sweet Thousand Island Dressing.

All About Poppy Seeds

 

The familiar black specks in your baked goods go a long way toward flavoring savory dishes, too. Taste their nutty flavor right now by whipping up a batch of Almond Poppy Seed Muffins.

All About Caraway Seeds

 

Holland may be famous for tulips and wooden shoes but don't overlook their contribution to the culinary world: Caraway. This aromatic and tasty seed enhances many foods especially bread in this recipe for Caraway Quick Bread.

All About Sage

 

Sage was recognized as the Herb of the Year for 2001 but it's been around since the Dark Ages. Learn all about it and try out the new recipe for Sage and Sausage Corn Muffins.

All About Fennel

 

Fennel is sooooo Italian but it's also interesting in other dishes too. Find out about the seed, the herb and the vegetable, then try the seed in a giant meatballs. You won't want to miss these monsters.

All About Tarragon

 

One of the most dominating herbs, tarragon has a taste all its own. Savor the flavor with this recipe for a delicious salad dressing, Tarragon-Walnut Vinaigrette.

All About Flavored Salts

 

Although branded as a bland seasoning, salt still plays an important role in every diet. Flavored salts add zip and you can make them at home. The recipe for Pan-fried Yams is the perfect showcase for your homemade blends.

All About Nutmeg

 

Sweet and spicy, nutmeg is a must have for your spice shelf. Banana and Pecan French Toast is a must have for your next special breakfast. Find the recipe here.

All About Cilantro

 

Edible from root to flower, cilantro has become one of the most popular herbs around. If you don't like it, we offer a helpful hint so that you can still prepare all those recipes that call for it. Everyone will want to try the recipe for Jicama Slaw that follows.

All About Dill

 

Seed or weed, there's more to dill than just pickles. Try the recipe for Dilled and Deviled Eggs to find out for yourself.

All About Paprika

 

There is more to this red powder than just looks. Flavors vary from country to country, try them all to see which is your favorite. This recipe for Roasted Potato Paprikish highlights the robust Hungarian variety.

All About Ginger

 

It's hot, it's sweet, ginger is the spice lover's spice. The recipe for Gingerbread Cake with Orange Sauce is a big hit for a special dessert.

All About Marjoram

 

You may not be familiar with it now but once you have tried marjoram you will be looking for new opportunities to use it. The recipe for My Best Beef Jerky provides a savory introduction.

All About Thyme

 

One of the most versatile herbs, thyme enhances so many savory dishes. Especially this recipe for Five Onion Soup.

All About Sesame Seeds

 

Unlock the mysteries of this important seed. You'll want them on more than just your hamburger bun. Maybe with pita chips or fresh veggies in the garlicky hummus recipe that follows.

All About Parsley

 

Parsley is pretty but it's good for you too. Enjoy all these benefits with the tangy tabbouleh salad recipe.

All About Curry Powder

 

Ever wonder what makes up your favorite curry powder? Hard to tell. Find out why you may never know. Just enjoy it and try this special fish recipe.

All About Chervil

 

When was the last time you ate peas and carrots that you really enjoyed? Add the delicate chervil and it turns into a can't miss combo.

All About Allspice

 

Allspice adds flavor to sweets and to savory dishes. Read all about it then

test the flavor with these cheesecake-like pumpkin bars.

 

 

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