Inspiration

Japanese cooking can be a daunting enterprise for a western cook with its exotic array of ingredients, methods, and tools. We can’t explain all of that today, but we can give you a crash course on the top 12 flavors you should definitely know to get started! Dry Ingredients To our dismay, you are unlikely to find a spice rack in a traditional Japanese kitchen. Japanese chefs use very few dried herbs or spices, instead developing flavors from fresh ingredients, seaweeds, pastes, and liquid condiments. That being said, there are a few critical dried materials that have become essential to...

Spice Profile: Gumbo File Sassafras albidum What is Gumbo File? Gumbo File is the dried and ground leaf of the North American Sassafras tree. It is used as an herb in Creole cooking. How Can I Use Gumbo File? Gumbo File is used in one specific dish, Gumbo. It is used as both a thickener and as a seasoning. What is the History of Gumbo File? Sassafras leaves were first used as a seasoning by the Choctaw indians in the American South. Its use in gumbo dates back to the late 1800s or early 1900s. How to Grow and Plant Gumbo File Sassafras trees are native to...

Spice Profile: Ginger Zingiber officinale What is Ginger? Ginger is an aromatic root used for culinary and medicinal purposes. How Can I Use Ginger? Ginger is most commonly available in powdered or fresh forms. The powdered form is used to give a warm and spicy flavor to baked goods. The fresh form is grated or minced and added to many types of Asian dishes. In addition, ginger can be pickled and used as a condiment or candied for a sweet and spicy treat. Also, ginger is used in beverages such as ginger ale, ginger beer and ginger tea. What is the History of Ginger?...