Cumin vs. Turmeric Both cumin and turmeric are widely used in curry recipes but, they are very different from each other, contrary to what people might think. What is Cumin? Cumin is a plant which is native to the Mediterranean region and its seeds are used in cooking stews, curries, and other dishes. This spice has a distinctive flavor that is earthy and sweet. Traditionally, Cumin is used to prevent muscle spasms and it is a preventative for gas. It also aids in digestion. Get new spice blends every mo...

The Best Spices for Pork Whether fried, grilled, or baked, pork is one of the most versatile meats you can easily cook, any day of the week. This is why a trusty pork seasoning should be a staple in your pantry. Pork seasoning should ideally have a good balance of heat, zest, and saltiness to complement the meat's flavor. Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Thyme This is perfect for a pan-fried pork chop recipe. The spice and almost zesty flavor of cumin will cut through the hearty flavor of the pork while...

What is Curry? What is Curry? "Curry" can mean several different things. It can refer to that classic British invention, a spice blend called 'curry powder', or to the 'curry' dish, referring to a number of saucy dishes flavored with curry powder or curry paste. The word "curry" was invented by British colonialists in the 18th century. Most likely a take on the Indian word "kari", meaning sauce. Before Columbus came to India, curry was not the intensely spicy dish we...

What does Saffron Taste Like? The Magical Allure What does Saffron Taste Like? Saffron has a subtly earthy & grassy flavor & aroma, yet sweet, similar to floral & honey. No spice is more special than saffron. With an unmistakable scent and flavor, saffron straddles sweet and savory effortlessly, and it bestows a striking golden hue on every dish it graces. A few strands of saffron will transform a long list of dishes, adding a mysterious allure to everything from risottos and milk puddings to rich curries and fish stews. Our fa...

Best Caraway Seed Substitute? If there was a spice that really packed a punch flavor-wise, it would be caraway. Caraway makes its appearance in many Asian, European and African specialties, and its complex flavor adds a lot of depth in savory and sweet dishes. A prime ingredient in different rye bread recipes, it is also a requirement in making polish sausages, Tunisian harissa and sauerkraut (among others) in order to make it authentic. But when caraway seeds are out of stock at your local grocer or spice shop, there are...

Best Bay Leaf Substitute? Bay leaf, also known as laurel leaf, is mostly used in soups and broths because it can enhance the aroma and the flavor. Now, if you are in the middle of cooking something and you realize that you have run out of bay leaves already for dinner. There’s no need to worry. If you have these following herbs sitting in your kitchen cabinet, it can act as an alternative for bay leaf. Best Bay Leaf Substitutes Best bets: Thyme or Oregano (Buy on Amazon)Basil (Buy on Amazon)Juniper berries (Buy on Ama...

Granulated Garlic vs. Garlic Powder Granulated and Powdered Garlic: Which to use? If there ever was a seasoning that people around the world avidly added to their dishes, it would be garlic. It is ever-present in both major and minor food cultures, as its irresistibly mouthwatering taste and aroma certainly livens up any dish. When fresh garlic isn’t an option, many tend to reach out for either granulated garlic or garlic powder. Curious about these spice forms? Read up to learn more about differences and similarities of both! ...

Best Coriander Substitute? Coriander seeds have been treasured from India and China to the Middle East since early history. Coriander seeds have even been found in old Sanskrit writings and early Egyptian tombs. Coriander seeds have a mild flavor, so don't hesitate to use these liberally. They blend beautifully with garlic and chili and pair well with lamb, sausages and other pork dishes, curries, and vegetables. The seeds are used whole for pickling and in drinks, ground coriander for baking and soups and add a f...

Best Paprika Substitute? Paprika is one of the most common spices used- and for good reason. Paprika comes in a variety of styles - hot, smoked, sweet - and some of the best paprikas are either Hungarian or Spanish. Paprika can also provide several health benefits, adds spice to your dish, and a bright crimson color, paprika should never go missing in your kitchen cabinet. But what if you suddenly run out of this spice? Do not worry because you can still complete your dish without paprika using the following alternat...

Best Garlic Powder Substitute? Garlic powder is a wonderful spice that is well known for its strong flavor, smell, and many uses. Garlic powder is made with garlic that has been dried and ground. Garlic powder may not be as potent as the seasoning in its fresh form; however, it has the benefits of being easier to work with and having a longer shelf life. It is found in most spice mixes, medicinal supplements, and food products. Garlic powder can also be used as a home remedy for colds, and each ounce of it contains vitamin...

Best Cayenne Pepper Substitute? Cayenne pepper is a well-known way to add moderate heat to dishes and is widely available in powdered form. If your dish calls for cayenne powder and you are out, you have many easy-to-find options that can bring the heat to your dish, but note – many do so with extra flavor notes that can change the profile of your meal. Best Cayenne Pepper Substitutes: Crushed red pepper Korean gochugaru Smoked paprika Japapeno powder Crushed red pepper often uses cayenne pepper as a base (along with ...

Best Cardamom Substitute? Cardamom has a complex flavor, a combination of fruity, nutty, herbal, woody, and citrusy- all at the same time. This means that it’s very distinct and not often easy to replicate! If you're in a pinch or looking to experiment with alternatives, you have options! The even better news is that you most likely have most of the options in your spice cabinet. Get new spice blends every month New global spice blend & chef created recipe each mont...

Best Garam Masala Substitute? Need a garam masala replacement in a hurry? This spice hack for a garam masala substitute of coriander, cumin, cinnamon & black peppercorns will do the trick. Garam masala is a warming blend of spices like coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg. First, whole spices are toasted in a dry pan for a minute to release flavor oils, then freshly ground. It is the core flavor base of many South Asian dishes and varies regionally as well as from one cook to another. Be wa...

Best Poultry Seasoning Substitute? Can't get your hands on a batch of freshly ground poultry seasoning fast enough? For the best poultry seasoning substitute, swap 1 tbsp of poultry seasoning for 2 tsp sage and 1 tsp either dried thyme or marjoram. Best Poultry Seasoning Substitutes:1 part rubbed sage1/3 part dried thyme1/3 part dried marjoram or 1 tsp poultry seasoning = 3/4 tsp sage + 1/4 tsp of any of thyme, marjoram, savory, black peppercorns, rosemary You can swap in any number of dried or fresh herbs you have on ha...

Best Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute? Pumpkin pie spice is typically made with freshly ground whole cinnamon, allspice, black peppercorns and star anise. Sprinkle over squash and roast, stir into yogurt or ice cream or brew into your morning coffee or add to cookies, breads, cakes, pies or other baked goods. Best Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute Trying to get your pumpkin spice baking on and stuck with last year's stale pumpkin pie spice or totally out? First thing you should do is buy our freshly ground pumpkin pie spices - we&#...

How to: Bloom Spices in Oil While grinding whole spices is a crucial part of maximizing flavor, blooming ground spices in oil when cooking will take your dish to the next level. We'll show you how! There are two very good reasons for frying ground spices in oil, one chemical and the other physical. First, heating up the spices in oil releases fat-soluble flavor compounds contained within spices like cumin and coriander. Second, adding spices to oil will distribute their flavor far more efficiently in the finished d...