Global Dishes
The most common herb to feature in pesto.
What is basil?
This spice, derived from crocus flowers, was once worth more than its weight in gold.
What is saffron?
This spice has a numbing, tingling effect due to hydroxy-alpha-sanshool.
What is sichuan peppercorn?
My leaves are divided like fine threads of lace,
With carvone as one compound shaping my taste.
I vanish with heat, so add me at end—
With pickled or cured foods, I’m more than a friend.
What is dill?
This spice, often paired with black pepper to improve absorption, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties?
What is turmeric?
The dominant herb used in pad kra pao.
What is thai basil (holy basil)?
This spice was so valuable in Medieval Europe that it was used as currency and to pay rent.
What is black pepper?
This spice’s flavour is dominated by eugenol, giving it a warm, sweet, almost medicinal note; it comes from dried flower buds.
What is clove?
Apiaceae family, but milder than most,
I clean up the palate when richness might boast.
Flat-leaf preferred where flavour must show—
Curled is for garnish, as many will know.
What is parsley?
This spice was traditionally used as a natural preservative and is still used in pickling for that purpose.
What is mustard (seeds)?
This spice is essential to both Indian biryani and Swedish baked goods like lussekatter.
What is cardamom?
This spice, native to the Americas, became essential to Hungarian cuisine after the Columbian Exchange.
What is paprika?
The sharp, nasal heat of this spice comes from allyl isothiocyanate, released when the seeds are crushed and mixed with liquid.
What is mustard?
Capsicum dried, but not by the sun,
Oak smoke defines me and how I am done.
Pimentón is my name where I’m regionally tied—
La Vera’s the place where traditions abide.
What is smoked paprika?
Oil from this herb, containing eucalyptol, has been used in cough remedies and chest rubs.
What is rosemary?
This red spice gives many middle Eastern dishes a tangy, lemony flavour.
What is sumac?
The Dutch East India Company had a ruthless monopoly over this spice from the Banda Islands in the 17th century.
What is nutmeg?
This herb’s licorice-like flavour comes from anethole, and it is commonly used in Italian sausage.
What is fennel?
Murraya koenigii if you go by my tree,
I’m tempered in oil to unlock what I be.
Not powder nor blend, though confused I may get—
Remove me before serving, or chew with regret.
What is curry leaf?
This spice has been used as a natural insect repellent due to compounds like eugenol and cineole.
What is clove?
This spice provides the signature earthy bitterness in Ethiopian berbere blends.
What is fenugreek?
his aromatic resinous spice was burned as incense in ancient Egypt and also used in embalming.
What is myrrh?
This spice delivers heat without capsaicin and is derived from a rhizome related to ginger.
What is galangal?
Piper auritum gives clue to my name,
In Mexican kitchens I quietly claim
A role wrapping fillings, imparting perfume—
With anise-like notes that can fill up a room.
What is hierba santa/hoja santa?
This herb was traditionally scattered on floors in medieval Europe for its fresh scent and mild antibacterial properties.
What is thyme?