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Known for its beauty and flavor, peaches have often been associated with immortality, love, and prosperity.
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Known as the “Queen of Spices”, green cardamom has long been treasured in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian kitchens.
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Common Name: Labrador Tea Alternative names are Hudson Bay Tea, Indian Tea, Marsh Tea, Wild Rosemary, Greenland Tea, Muskeg Tea, and Bog Labrador Tea. Scientific Name: Rhododendron groenlandicum, R. tomentosum, and R. neoglandulosum (regional variants) Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources…
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Common Name: Salep Alternative names are Sahlab, Sahlep, and Saloop Scientific Name: Orchis mascula and Orchis militaris Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Salep is a starchy, fragrant flour made from the dried tubers of wild orchids. Historically revered…
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Though often considered a blight in industrial agriculture, chefs and foodies consider it a delicacy.
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Common Name: Mastic Gum The name “mastic” comes from the Greek “mastikhan”, meaning “to knash the teeth”, a reference to its early use as chewing gum. Alternative names are Chios Mastiha, Mastix, and Arabic Gum (not to be confused with Gum Arabic). Scientific Name: Pistacia lentiscus var. chia Editorial Note: This entry is part of…
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Common Name: Wattleseed Alternative names are Acacia Seed and Bush Seed Scientific Name: Acacia spp. (commonly Acacia victoriae, Acacia coriacea, and Acacia sophorae) Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Wattleseeds have been a part of the indigenous diet for…
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Common Name: Celtic Salt Although it is harvested in modern-day France, the name “Celtic salt” recalls the Celtic people of Brittany, who first systematized salt marsh cultivation in the region. Alternate names are Sel Gris and Grey Sea Salt. Scientific Name: Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing…
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Common Name: Apple Scientific Name: Malus domestica Editorial Note: This entry is part of The Culinary Compendium’s ongoing ingredient archive and will be expanded as new sources are examined. History: Apples are members of the rose family and are among the oldest domesticated fruits. They likely originated in the mountains of Central Asia, particularly Southern Kazakhstan,…
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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…