Tag: Culinary Compendium


  • Clove: The Emperor Spice

    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…

  • Ají Charapita: Gold of the Jungle

    Ají Charapita is an elusive treasure from deep within Peru’s northern rainforests.

  • Basil: The Royal Herb

    Basil: The Royal Herb

    Common Name: Basil The name comes from the Greek basilikón phutón, meaning royal plant. Alternate names include Sweet Basil and Saint Joseph’s Wort. Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Although basil is deeply connected with…

  • Rosemary: Dew of the Sea

    Rosemary: Dew of the Sea

    Common Name: Rosemary The name rosemary comes from the Latin phrase “ros marinus”, meaning “dew of the sea” in reference to the seaside cliffs where it prefers to grow. Scientific Name: Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new…

  • Star Anise: The Dragon Spice

    Star-shaped and sweetly scented, star anise is one of the world’s most enchanting spices.

  • Sesame: Seed of Secrets

    Sesame: Seed of Secrets

    Common Name: Sesame The name “sesame” is derived from two words in the ancient Akkadian language that meant “oil” and “plant.” This is possibly in reference to its earliest use as an oilseed. Scientific Name: Sesamum indicum Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as…

  • Gum Arabic: Tears of Acacia

    Common Name: Gum Arabic Alternate names are Acacia Gum and E414. Scientific Name: Acacia senegal Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Gum Arabic is a natural resin harvested from the sap of the Acacia tree. The acacia trees that…

  • Barberry: The Tart Ruby

    Barberry: The Tart Ruby

    Common Name: Barberry Alternate names are Berberry, European Barberry, Holy Thorn, Jaundice Berry, Pipperidge Bush, Sowberry, Zareshk Scientific Name: Berberis vulgaris The name Berberis is derived from the Arabic “berberys”, which has no direct English translation. However, it is speculated that it may be a reference to the plant’s shiny leaves. Editorial Note: This entry…

  • Asafoetida: Stinking Resin

    Asafoetida is known for its strong and pungent smell, which, like its flavor, mellows out once it is cooked in oil or ghee.

  • Annatto: The Lipstick Seed

    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…