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Tonka beans are one of the most fascinating and controversial flavoring agents in the world
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Teff is a small but highly nutritious grain that has been a staple in Ethiopia for thousands of years.
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Common Name: Fig Scientific Name: Ficus carica Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: The fig was domesticated over 11,000 years in the Jordan Valley. Archaeologists have found carbonized figs that suggest their value was recognized long before formal agriculture…
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Common Name: Thyme The name “thyme” likely comes from the Greek “thumos”, meaning “spirit” or “courage,” but some also trace it to “thymon”, meaning “to fumigate,” a nod to its use as incense. Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as…
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While bay leaves may not be the star of any dish, they are one of the most reliable supporting players in the culinary world.
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From ancient tables to modern teacups, spearmint has carried with it a reputation for coolness, clarity, and comfort.
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Common Name: Ceylon Cinnamon Scientific Name: Cinnamomum verum Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), where it has been harvested for over 2,000 years. The bark of the cinnamon tree is carefully…
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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…
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Common Name: Marjoram The name “marjoram” comes from Latin “majorana”, meaning “bringer of joy” or “delight.” Scientific Name: Origanum majorana Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Sweeter and more delicate than its cousin, oregano, marjoram has long been a…
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Common Name: Potato The English word “potato”, came from the Spanish word “patata”, which originally referred to the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The Incan word for the true potato was “papa”, a term that is still applied to the tuber in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. Scientific Name: Solanum tuberosum Editorial Note: This entry is part…