SPICE INSIGHTS

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.

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.

Learn time-tested strategies to get the best value and flavor every time you choose, source, select, and purchase quality spices and herbs.

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

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

How did history, evolution, and chemistry create the tastes and aromas we crave? Understand the fascinating science behind the powerful flavors of spice!

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

Explore the many flavors of furikake, Japan’s versatile rice seasoning, and creative ways to elevate your everyday dishes.

Japan’s chili pepper, and the heart of shichimi togarashi. Learn how the blends differ, where they came from, and what to sprinkle them on.

Bonito flakes, soy sauce, and not much else. Okaka is a classic onigiri filling that takes about two minutes to make. Here’s how to get it right.

Since the dawn of civilization, spices have traveled far and wide, shaping culture and cuisine, history and medicine. Follow their immense journey from local kitchens to the global stage.

Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice by a wide margin. Learn why its cultivation and production is so demanding and what makes it so invaluable to global gastronomy.

Turmeric cultivation is a time-honored tradition, perfected over millennia to produce high-quality rhizomes and the brilliant golden powder. Learn the fascinating process behind it.

Wasabi is one of the world’s rarest and most difficult crops to cultivate. These are the many challenges that farmers face when growing the green gems of Japan.