Category: Spice
-
Common Name: Saffron Scientific Name: Crocus sativus Crocus sativus is sterile and does not occur in the wild. Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Saffron (Crocus sativus) is believed to be descended from Crocus cartwrightianus, which was cultivated in…
-
Known as the “Queen of Spices”, green cardamom has long been treasured in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian kitchens.
-
Common Name: Nutmeg Scientific Name: Myristica fragrans Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Nutmeg is the dried seed of a tropical evergreen tree, also the source of mace, native to the Banda Islands, a small cluster of volcanic islets…
-
Common Name: Clove Dried cloves resemble small, dark brown nails, which is fitting since the name comes from the French “clou”, meaning nail. Scientific Name: Syzygium aromaticum The genus Syzygium is Latin for joined together, referencing the bud and stem. Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will…
-
Star-shaped and sweetly scented, star anise is one of the world’s most enchanting spices.
-
Asafoetida is known for its strong and pungent smell, which, like its flavor, mellows out once it is cooked in oil or ghee.
-
Common Name: Annatto Alternate names include Achiote, Achuete, Bija, Latkhan, Lipstick Tree, Natural Color E1606, and Roucou. Scientific Name: Bixa orellana The tree is named after Francisco de Orellana, a Spanish explorer who first encountered the indigenous Amazon people adorned in annatto paint. Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient…
-
Anise has been valued since antiquity for its sweet, licorice-flavored seeds.
-
The ground powder of an unripe mango, prized for its bright and fruity acidity.
-
Common Name: Allspice Its name comes from its unique flavor resembling a blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Alternate names include Clove Pepper, Jamaica Pepper, Pimenta, Newspice, and Bay Rum Berry (erroneously). Scientific Name: Pimenta dioica Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are…