What Is It? Cumin is the dried seed of the Cuminum cyminum plant, a member of the parsley family. The seeds as well as cumin powder are used extensively in Indian, Middle eastern, African, and Mexican cuisines. In this post, I am highlighting some of the excellent health benefits and culinary uses of cumin. Where …

What Is It? Mint is an aromatic herb that comes from various species of the mint plant. There are many varieties of mint from sweet mint, that is used most commonly in cooking, to spearmint, peppermint and curly mint. There are newer varieties like orange mint and chocolate mint to keep things interesting! This post …

What Is It? Nutmeg (known as Jaiphal in India) is a spice that is made from the seed of the tropical evergreen tree, Myristica fragrans. Native to Indonesia and the West Indies, this popular spice has a distinctive pungent aroma. It is used to warm savory dishes like curries and stews as well as in …

What Is It? Basil is a lovely, vibrant green, quintessential summer herb that is usually used as a flavor enhancer especially in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines. There are many varieties of basil from the common sweet basil to Thai basil and holy basil. There are also new varieties that I try to grow in …

What Is It? Sage is a common herb, that is part of the mint family. It is full of nutrients and medicinal properties and has a strong, earthy flavor profile. Mediterranean dishes often use sage as a key herb to provide culinary depth to vegetable and meat dishes. In addition, sage burning or smudging, is …

What Is It? Saffron is a fragrant spice that imparts a beautiful golden color to food and is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron threads are actually the dried red stigmas of the crocus flower. The reason saffron costs so much is simply because there is a very small window to …

What Is It? Ginger root or ginger as it is commonly called, is the underground stem of the ginger plant. It is closely related to turmeric, galangal and cardamom(huh?!). This article covers some of the medicinal properties and culinary uses of ginger. We are able to find ginger in many different forms – fresh, dried, …

What Is It? Chili peppers are the fruit of the Capsicum plant, related to bell peppers and funnily enough, tomatoes! There are many varieties with a range of heat levels, such as the more common Serrano and Jalapeño peppers. Primarily used worldwide to spice up foods, they can be used fresh, dried, powdered etc. Where …

What Is It? Cinnamon is a spice that is essentially the dried or powdered inner bark of the cinnamon tree. As the bark dries, it curls up into the familiar rolled up cinnamon sticks called quills. There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon (or true cinnamon) and Cassia cinnamon (more commonly found in stores). …

What Is It? Coriander and cilantro are different parts of the same plant. It is both an herb as well as a spice. While in the US, the stem and leaves are called cilantro and the seeds are called coriander, the rest of the world calls the leaves coriander and the seeds are coriander seeds. …