Tag: Culinary Compendium


  • Himalayan Salt: Rose of the Rock

    Common Name: Himalayan Salt Scientific Name: Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and trace amounts of iron oxide (Fe2O3) Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Himalayan salt is estimated to have been formed over 600 million years ago and likely originated from…

  • Black Pepper: The King of Spices

    Once the spice of kings, black pepper is now fairly ordinary. However, the pungent spice it lends to dishes around the world is a reminder that it is still the “King of Spices”.

  • Salt: The Pillar of Civilizations

    Common Name: Salt Scientific Name: Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Salt is a naturally occurring mineral primarily composed of a 1:1 ratio of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions. Sodium helps nerves fire, muscles contract, and maintains fluid balance. Chloride helps maintain acid-base (pH) balance and aids in digestion via the hydrochloric acid found in the stomach.…