SPICE INSIGHTS

Seasoning is the soul of cooking. Learn how to unlock the full power of spices and herbs to layer and balance flavors with both technique and artistry.

These are the world’s most popular spices! Find out why chiles, garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and more are so universally desired.

Learn expert strategies for choosing, sourcing, selecting, and buying quality spices and herbs. Get the best flavor and value every time you restock or explore new tastes.

Understand the fascinating science behind the powerful flavors of spice—how chemistry and evolution create the tastes and aromas we crave.

Dive into the world of katsuobushi, Japan’s umami-packed seasoning. Learn why it’s important, how it’s made, and how to use it!

Unlock the many flavors of furikake, Japan’s versatile rice seasoning. Discover its history, varieties, and creative ways to elevate your cooking.

Ignite your creativity with togarashi. Explore its fascinating origins and learn how to deploy its fiery zest in countless dishes.

Discover okaka, the simple yet flavorful Japanese seasoning, with step-by-step instructions to make delicious okaka rice balls!

Learn the similarities and differences between spices and herbs, their fascinating origins, and how they’ve become so essential to our cuisine and well-being.

Uncover the surprising powers of spices and herbs! From enhancing flavor to beautifying dishes to boosting health, learn how to unlock their full potential.

As you embark on your intrepid journey into the wonderful world of natural seasonings, these fundamentals are extremely useful to know.

Explore the world’s most luxurious spices! Find out why saffron, vanilla, wasabi, and others are so rare and so treasured—and why they’re worth the price.

Since the dawn of civilization, spices have traveled far and wide, shaping cultures and cuisines. Follow their journey from their homelands to the global stage.

Saffron is by far the world’s most expensive spice. Learn why its cultivation is so demanding and what makes it so invaluable to global cuisine.

Turmeric cultivation is a time-honored tradition, perfected over millennia to produce high-quality rhizomes. Discover the fascinating process behind it!

Wasabi is one of the rarest and most difficult crops to cultivate. Learn the many challenges that farmers face when growing these precious rhizomes.