Know your spices.....

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Allspice

The pea-size berry of the evergreen pimiento tree, native
to the West Indies and South America, though Jamaica
provides most of the world's supply (allspice is also
known as Jamaica pepper ). The dried berries are dark
brown and can be purchased whole or ground. The spice
is so named because it tastes like a combination of
cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. As with other spices, it
should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6
months. Allspice is used in both savory and sweet cooking.

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Anise

Known as far back as at least 1500 b.c., this small annual
plant is a member of the parsley family. Both the leaves
and seed have a distinctive, sweet licorice flavor. The
greenish brown, comma-shaped anise seed perfumes and
flavors a variety of confections as well as savory dishes.
It's also used to flavor drinks such as Pastis, Arrack,
Anisette and Ouzo. Anise seed plays an important role
in the cooking of Southeast Asia. Chinese cooks are
more likely to use Star Anise than anise seed.

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Basil

If a person loves herbs, they love basil. It seems to be everyone's
favorite herb and the recipes that take advantage of this fresh and
spicy leaf are endless.
I personally think if you can only grow two plants it should be a pot of
tomatoes and a pot of basil. With these two plants and a few basic
pantry items you can treat yourself to gourmet fare!

Growing Basil

Basil is an annual, and is easily grown from seed. There are over two dozen
types of basil including lettuce-leaf which has large leaves, cinnamon
basil and the purple leafed varieties. Basil is not frost tolerant at all, so be
sure to only plant after the soil has warmed completely.
Though it needs full sun, basil does need more moisture than some herbs,
so keep it watered; especially in pots.
You can bring basil inside as a window herb if you plant the seeds in pots
during warm weather and bring inside to grow in a bright and sunny window
when cold.

Using and Preserving Basil

Basil can be frozen, dried, or preserved in oil and it's delicious
however you choose to preserve it.
Basil is also available year round in most produce sections. Add leaves to
salads or sandwiches along with your lettuce. Add basil to sautés or soups
at the last minute to preserve flavor.
Basil is also wonderful in herbal vinegars. Try mixing it with oregano
and thyme.

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Bay Leaf

Also called laurel leaf or bay laurel, this aromatic herb
comes from the evergreen bay laurel tree, native to the
Mediterranean. Early Greeks and Romans attributed
magical properties to the laurel leaf and it has long been a
symbol of honor, celebration and triumph, as in "winning
your laurels." The two main varieties of bay leaf are
Turkish (which has 1- to 2-inch-long oval leaves) and
Californian (with narrow, 2- to 3-inch-long leaves). The
Turkish bay leaves have a more subtle flavor than do the
California variety. Bay leaves are used to flavor soups,
stews, vegetables and meats. They're generally removed
before serving. Overuse of this herb can make a dish
bitter. Fresh bay leaves are seldom available in markets.
Dried bay leaves, which have a fraction of the flavor of
fresh, can be found in supermarkets. Store dried bay
leaves airtight in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

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Caraway Seed

These aromatic seeds come from an herb in the parsley
family. They have a nutty, delicate anise flavor and are
widely used in German, Austrian and Hungarian cuisine.
Caraway seeds flavor many foods including cheese,
breads, cakes, stews, meats, vegetables and the liqueur
Kummel. They should be stored airtight in a cool, dark
place for no more than 6 months.

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Cardamom

A member of the ginger family, this aromatic spice is
native to India and grows in many other tropical areas
including Asia, South America and the Pacific Islands.
Cardamom seeds are encapsulated in small pods about
the size of a cranberry. Each pod contains 17 to 20 tiny
seeds. Cardamom has a pungent aroma and a warm,
spicy-sweet flavor. It's widely used in Scandinavian and
East Indian cooking. Cardamom can be purchased either
in the pod or ground. The latter, though more
convenient, is not as full-flavored because cardamom
seeds begin to lose their essential oils as soon as they're
ground. The seeds may be removed from the pods and
ground, or the entire pod may be ground. A mortar and
pestle make quick work of the grinding. If using
cardamom to flavor dishes such as stews and curries,
lightly crush the shell of the pod and add the pod and
seeds to the mixture. The shell will disintegrate while the
dish cooks. Be frugal when using cardamom — a little
goes a long way.

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Cinnamon

Once used in love potions and to perfume wealthy
Romans, this age-old spice comes in two varieties —
Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) and
Cinnamomum cassia (cassia). Cinnamon is the inner
bark of a tropical evergreen tree. The bark is harvested
during the rainy season when it's more pliable. When
dried, it curls into long quills, which are either cut into
lengths and sold as cinnamon sticks, or ground into
powder. Ceylon(or tree) cinnamon is buff-colored and
mildly sweet in flavor; cassia cinnamon is a dark, reddish
brown color and has a more pungent, slightly bittersweet
flavor. Cassia cinnamon is used and sold simply as
"cinnamon" in many countries (including the United
States). Cinnamon is widely used in sweet dishes, but
also makes an intriguing addition to savory dishes such
as stews and curries. Oil of cinnamon comes from the
pods of the cinnamon tree and is used as a flavoring,
as well as a medicinal.

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Clove

Considered one of the world's most important spices,
cloves are the dried, unopened flower bud of the tropical
evergreen clove tree. Reddish brown and nail-shaped,
their name comes from clavus , the Latin word for nail.
Cloves are sold whole or ground and can be used to
flavor a multitude of dishes ranging from sweet to savory.

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Coriander

Native to the Mediterranean and the Orient, coriander is related to the parsley
family. It's known for both its seeds (actually the dried, ripe fruit of the plant)
and for its dark green, lacy leaves. The flavors of the seeds and leaves bear
absolutely no resemblance to each other. Mention of coriander seeds was found
in early Sanskrit writings and the seeds themselves have been discovered in
Egyptian tombs dating to 960 b.c. The tiny (1/8-inch), yellow-tan seeds are
lightly ridged. They are mildly fragrant and have an aromatic flavor akin to a
combination of lemon, sage and caraway. Whole coriander seeds are used in
pickling and for special drinks, such as mulled wine. Ground seed is useed in
many baked good (particularly Scandinavian), curry blends, soups, etc. Both
forms are commonly available in supermarkets.
Coriander leaves are also commonly known as cilantro and Chinese parsley.
Fresh coriander leaves have an extremely pungent (some say fetid) odor and
flavor that lends itself well to highly seasoned food. Though it's purported to be
the world's most widely used herb, many Americans and Europeans find that
fresh coriander is definitely an acquired taste. Choose leaves with an even
green color and no sign of wilting. Store a bunch of coriander, stems down, in
a glass of water with a plastic bag over the leaves. Refrigerate in this manner
for up to a week, changing the water every 2 days. Coriander leaves are used
widely in the cuisines of India, Mexico, the Orient and the Caribbean.

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Cumin

Also called comino , this ancient spice dates back to the
Old Testament. Shaped like a caraway seed, cumin is the
dried fruit of a plant in the parsley family. Its aromatic,
nutty-flavored seeds come in three colors: amber (the
most widely available), white and black (both found in
Asian markets). White cumin seed is interchangeable
with amber, but the black seed has a more complex,
peppery flavor. Cumin is available in seed and ground
forms. As with all seeds, herbs and spices, it should be
stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months.
Cumin is particularly popular in Middle Eastern, Asian
and Mediterranean cooking. Among other things, it's
used to make curries, chili powders and Kummel Liqueur.

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Curry Powder

Widely used in Indian cooking, authentic Indian curry
powder is freshly ground each day and can vary
dramatically depending on the region and the cook.
Curry powder is actually a pulverized blend of up to 20
spices, herbs and seeds. Among those most commonly
used are cardamom, chiles, cinnamon, cloves coriander,
cumin, fennel seed, fenugreek, mace, nutmeg, red and
black pepper, poppy and sesame seeds, saffron, tamarind
and turmeric (the latter is what gives curried dishes their
characteristic yellow color). Commercial curry powder
(which bears little resemblance to the freshly ground
blends of southern India) comes in two basic styles —
standard, and the hotter of the two, "Madras." Since
curry powder quickly loses its pungency, it should be
stored, airtight, no longer than 2 months.

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Dill

Dill is not only a pretty foliage plant; it's fragrance is a "comfort
smell" for many people. I barely touch it's feathery leaves and the
smell of homemade dill pickles, crisp and savory, rubs off on my
hands. At the same time, dill is an herb that is often passed over as
just a pickle spice and is not truly appreciated.

Growing Dill

Dill can easily be grown from seed in full sun, and can even tolerate a
slightly sandy soil. However, when first planting you should keep the
soil moist until established. Do not move your dill; instead plant where
you will be growing it. Thin the seedlings to 10 inches apart; they
will grow about 3 feet high. Use the seedlings that you pull up;
they are tender and delicious! Be sure to let one of the plants remain
with it's seeds after the season is finished, so it will reseed itself.
These plants will be much sturdier and hardier. Throughout the
summer you can plant dill in 2 week intervals also, to maintain a supply
of fresh leaves.

Using Dill

Dill leaf can be clipped and used in cottage cheese, potato salad,
cream cheese, tomato soup and salads. You may also sprinkle
chopped young dill on broiling lamb, pork chops or steak during the last
five minutes of cooking. The seeds that form on dill can be sprinkled
on small pieces of toast or crackers with salmon that has been mixed
with mayonnaise. Both the seed and leaf can be used in fish sauces.
The fresh leaves can be frozen in small resealable bags and used in
dishes. When the leaves are dried, they are referred to as dill weed in
recipes. The seeds can be kept in a closed container and used as needed.

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Fennel

There are two main types of this aromatic plant, both with pale green, celery
like stems and bright green, feathery foliage. Florence fennel, also called finocchio,
is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and in the United States. It has a broad,
bulbous base that's treated like a vegetable. Both the base and stems can be eaten
raw in salads or cooked in a variety of methods such as braising, sautéing or in
soups. The fragrant, graceful greenery can be used as a garnish or snipped like
dill and used for a last-minute flavor enhancer. This type of fennel is often
mislabeled "sweet anise," causing those who don't like the flavor of licorice to
avoid it. The flavor of fennel, however, is sweeter and more delicate than anise
and, when cooked, becomes even lighter and more elusive than in its raw state.
Common fennel is the variety from which the oval, greenish-brown fennel seeds
come. The seeds are available whole and ground and are used in both sweet and
savory foods, as well as to flavor many liqueurs. As with most seeds, they should
be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months. Though common fennel
is bulbless, its stems and greenery are used in the same ways as those of Florence
fennel. Fennel is available from fall through spring. Choose clean, crisp bulbs with
no sign of browning. Any attached greenery should be a fresh green color.
Refrigerate, tightly wrapped in a plastic bag, up to 5 days. Fennel is rich in
vitamin A and contains a fair amount of calcium, phosphorus and potassium.

[itzzaangel]

Ginger

Ginger is one of those indispensable herbs that we often take for granted. I
can remember having a jar of ground ginger in my cupboard for so long that it
lost it's flavor! That was before I realized how many things it could be used for.
In the 13th Century the English Royalty loved it so much it became worth it's
weight in gold. We are fortunate that we can buy ginger fresh or ground at
our grocery stores without having to sell our earthly possessions.
You can grow fresh ginger by planting a ginger root in a 12 inch pot, just below
the surface of the dirt. Place the pot in a warm sunny spot, making sure it has
good drainage. Water sparingly until the small green shoots appear, and then
water well. Ginger loves being misted and fertilized regularly. You will have to
bring it inside during the winter, where it will become dormant and die down.
After the plant is well established, in about a year, dig up the roots from the
newer sprouts to use; these will be more flavorful.
Roots will keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, and you can freeze
them if they are wrapped well in plastic.
You can use fresh ginger in recipes that call for dried, but use about half the
amount called for.
You can peel ginger root and chop it into very thin pieces for adding to any
stir fry recipe. Try adding thin slivers to your poached fruit recipes or compotes.
Grate the ginger root and add to vegetable recipes as you boil or steam
them. Of course, we all know that ground ginger is invaluable in holiday recipes!

[itzzaangel]

Mace

This spice tastes and smells like a pungent version of
nutmeg, and for a very good reason . . . mace is the
bright red membrane that covers the nutmeg seed. After
the membrane is removed and dried it becomes a
yellow-orange color. It's sold ground and, less
frequently, whole (in which case it's called a "blade").
Mace is used to flavor all manner of foods, sweet to savory.

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Marjoram

Early Greeks wove marjoram into funeral wreaths and
planted it on graves to symbolize their loved ones'
happiness both in life and beyond. There are many
species of this ancient herb, which is a member of the
mint family. The most widely available is sweet
marjoram, usually simply called "marjoram." It has oval,
inch-long, pale green leaves and a mild, sweet,
oreganolike flavor. In fact, wild marjoram is another
name for Oregano. Marjoram is available fresh in some
produce markets and supermarkets with large fresh-herb
sections. More often, it is found dried in small bottles or
cans. There's also a very hardy species called pot
marjoram, which has a stronger, slightly bitter flavor. It's
found throughout Mediterranean countries but rarely
seen in the United States. Marjoram can be used to flavor
a variety of foods, particularly meats (especially lamb and
veal) and vegetables. Because marjoram's flavor is so
delicate, it's best added toward the end of the cooking time
so its essence doesn't completely dissipate.

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Mustard

Any of several species of plant grown for its acrid seeds and leaves, which are
called mustard greens. The mustard plant belongs to the same family as broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, collards, kale and kohlrabi. Down through the centuries it has
been used for culinary as well as medicinal purposes; the most notable example
of the latter is mustard's purported efficacy as a curative for the common cold.
The name is said to come from a Roman mixture of crushed mustard seed and
MUST (unfermented grape juice), which was called mustum ardens ("burning
wine"). Likewise, the French word moutarde ("mustard") comes from a
contraction of their moust ("must") and a form of ardent ("hot" or "fiery").
There are two major types of mustard seed — white (or yellow ) and brown
(or Asian ). A third species, the black mustard seed, has been replaced for most
purposes by the brown species because the latter can be grown and harvested
more economically. White mustard seeds are much larger than the brown variety
but a lot less pungent. They're the main ingredient in American-style mustards.
White and brown seeds are blended to make English Mustard. Brown mustard
seeds are used for pickling and as a seasoning, and are the main ingredient in
European and Chinese mustards. Mustard seeds are sold whole, ground into
powder or processed further into prepared mustard. Powdered mustard is simply
finely ground mustard seed. Mustard seeds can be stored for up to a year in a dry,
dark place and powdered mustard for about 6 months. Whole seeds are used for
pickling, flavoring cooked meats and vegetables and as a source for freshly ground
mustard. Powdered mustards and freshly ground seeds are used in sauces, as a
seasoning in main dishes and as an ingredient in salad dressings

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Nutmeg

When Columbus sailed from Spain looking for the East
Indies, nutmeg was one of the spices for which he was
searching. Native to the Spice Islands, this seed from the
nutmeg tree (a tropical evergreen) was extremely popular
throughout much of the world from the 15th to the 19th
century.When the fruit of the tree is picked, it is split to
reveal the nutmeg seed surrounded by a lacy membrane
that, when dried and ground, becomes the spice mace.
The hard, egg-shaped nutmeg seed is grayish-brown and
about 1 inch long. The flavor and aroma are delicately
warm, spicy and sweet. Nutmeg is sold ground or whole.
Whole nutmeg freshly ground with a nutmeg grater or
grinder is superior to that which is commercially ground
and packaged. Nutmeg is excellent when used in baked
goods, milk- or cream-based preparations like custards,
white sauces or eggnog and on fruits and vegetables —
particularly potatoes, spinach and squash.

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Oregano

Oregano is an herb everyone is familiar with in some form or another. It's an
easy to grow perennial with some controversy surrounding it.
I was told long ago that true oregano has white flowers, but many times we
end up with a plant that has pinkish flowers. This is actually wild marjoram.
I have two large oregano plants that are probably not true oregano but sure
do work well in all recipes, vinegars and the flowers are wonderful dried and
used on wreaths. To be sure of what you are getting talk to someone at your
garden center that understands the difference.
Oregano can be used fresh with sautéed zucchini and onions, or is a welcome
addition along with cilantro to black beans.
For a simple elegant appetizer, carefully grill thick slices of provolone cheese
that have been sprinkled with oregano. When the cheese is warmed and starts
to melt spread on crusty fresh bread with a butter knife.
Add oregano to your fresh salsa recipes, or any Mexican dishes as well as
Italian recipes.
The leaves can be dried on the stem and crumbled into jars, or frozen in
individual bags, then used as fresh.
One oregano plant that is put in full sun, fairly dry soil and harvested
frequently will supply all that you need. It does grow quickly and spread,
but that will allow you to pot up some oregano for your windowsill and for
your friends!

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Paprika

Used as a seasoning and garnish for a plethora of savory
dishes, paprika is a powder made by grinding aromatic
sweet red pepper pods. The pods are quite tough, so
several grindings are necessary to produce the proper
texture. The flavor of paprika can range from mild to
pungent and hot, the color from bright orange-red to
deep blood-red. Most commercial paprika comes from
Spain, South America, California and Hungary, with the
Hungarian variety considered by many to be superior.
Indeed, Hungarian cuisine has long used paprika as a
mainstay flavoring rather than simply as a garnish. All
supermarkets carry mild paprikas, while ethnic markets
must be searched out for the more pungent varieties. As
with all herbs and spices, paprika should be stored in a
cool, dark place for no more than 6 months.

[itzzaangel]

Peppercorn

Most cooks today don't appreciate the plentiful and
inexpensive supply of a spice that was once so valuable
and rare itwas sometimes used as currency. Its merit was
so high that many of the European sailing expeditions
during the 15th century were undertaken with the main
purpose of finding alternate trade routes to the Far East,
the primary source of the prized peppercorn and other
spices. Pepper in one form or other is used around the
world to enhance the flavor of both savory and sweet
dishes. Because it stimulates gastric juices, it delivers a
digestive bonus as well. The world's most popular spice
is a berry that grows in grapelike clusters on the
pepperplant (Piper nigrum ), a climbing vine native to
India and Indonesia. The berry is processed to produce
three basic types of peppercorn — black, white and
green. The most common is the black peppercorn, which
is picked when the berry is not quite ripe, then dried until
it shrivels and the skin turns dark brown to black. It's the
strongest flavored of the three — slightly hot with a hint of
sweetness. Among the best black peppers are the Tellicherry
and the Lampong. The less pungent white peppercorn has been
allowed to ripen, after which the skin is removed and the berry
is dried. The result is a smaller, smoother-skinned, light-tan
berry with a milder flavor. White pepper isused to a great extent
for appearance, usually in light-colored sauces or foods where
dark specks of black pepper would stand out. The green
peppercorn is the soft, underripe berry that's usually preserved
in brine. It has a fresh flavor that's less pungent than the berry
in its other forms.

[itzzaangel]

Rosemary

Used since 500 b.c., rosemary is native to the
Mediterranean area (where it grows wild) but is now
cultivated throughout Europe and the United States.
Early on, this mint-family member was used to cure
ailments of the nervous system. Rosemary's silver-green,
needle-shaped leaves are highly aromatic and their flavor
hints of both lemon and pine. This herb is available
in whole-leaf form (fresh and dried) as well as powdered.
Rosemary Essence is used both to flavor food and
to scent cosmetics. Rosemary can be used as a seasoning
in a variety of dishes including fruit salads, soups,
vegetables, meat (particularly lamb), fish and egg dishes,
stuffings and dressings.

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Saffron

It's no wonder that saffron — the yellow-orange stigmas
from a small purple crocus (Crocus sativus )— is the
world's most expensive spice. Each flower provides only
three stigmas, which must be carefully hand-picked and
then dried — an extremely labor-intensive process. It
takes over 14,000 of these tiny stigmas for each ounce of
saffron. Thousands of years ago saffron was used not
only to flavor food and beverages but to make medicines
and to dye cloth and body oils a deep yellow.Today this
pungent, aromatic spice is primarily used to flavor and
tint food. Fortunately (because it's so pricey), a little
saffron goes a long way. It's integral to hundreds of
dishes like Bouillabaisse, Risotto Milanese and
Paella, and flavors many European baked
goods. Saffron is marketed in both powdered form and in
threads (the whole stigmas).Powdered saffron loses its
flavor more readily and can be easily adulterated with
imitations. The threads should be crushed just before using.
Store saffron airtight in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

[itzzaangel]

Sage

This native Mediterranean herb has been enjoyed for
centuries for both its culinary and medicinal uses. The
name comes from a derivative of the Latin salvus ,
meaning "safe," a reference to the herb's believed
healing powers. The narrow, oval, gray-green leaves of
this pungent herb are slightly bitter and have a musty
mint taste and aroma. There's also a variety
called pineapple sage, which has an intensely sweet
pineapple scent. Small bunches of fresh sage are available
year-round in many supermarkets. Choose sage by its
fresh color and aroma. Refrigerate wrapped in a paper
towel and sealed in a plastic bag for up to 4 days. Dried
sage comes whole, rubbed (crumbled) and ground. It
should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6
months. Sage is commonly used in dishes containing
pork, cheese and beans, and in poultry and game
stuffings. Sausage makers also frequently use it to flavor
their products.

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Tarragon

Narrow, pointed,dark green leaves distinguish this
perennial aromatic herb known for its distinctive anise like
flavor. Tarragon is widely used in classic French
cooking for a variety of dishes including chicken, fish and
vegetables, as well as many sauces, the best known being
Bearnaise. It's also an integral ingredient in various
herbal combinations such as Fines Herbes. Tarragon is
available fresh in the summer and early fall and
year-round in dried and powdered forms. Care should be
taken when using tarragon since its assertiveness can
easily dominate other flavors. Tarragon vinegar is a
popular item in gourmet markets.