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Spices and herbs are such an integral part of cooking. And as any good cook will tell you must never underestimate the importance of spices and herbs. The right spice to a dish can make such a difference. As a beginner, it is likely that you don’t know the right usage of many of the ingredients out there. And there might be some ingredients you would even know about. So if you are curious to learn more about some unusual and rare spices and herbs, follow this guide:
Sumac
Native to the Middle East, Sumac is a coarse powder like spice with a dark red colour. The spice has a zesty and tangy flavour and is commonly used in Mediterranean food in their marinades, dips, hummus and especially with eggplants.
Juniper
Used to produce gin, juniper is a spice used in many European cuisines. Juniper is dry, mealy and sweet and pairs extremely well with meats and poultry. It also has a pepperiness and touch of piney flavour too.
Dried Kaffir Lime Leaves
Enjoyed with Thai food, dried Kaffir lime leaves have a delightful lemony aroma and taste. They add a lime flavour without increasing the amount of moisture in a dish. The leaf is added while cooking and once its flavour has penetrated, the leaf may be removed.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa Sprouts are the baby versions of the Alfalfa plant. They have great texture and are also crunchy. They are a wonderful addition to any salad or soup. They are an important part of Armenian cuisine.
Nigella
Nigella seeds are small black seeds with a pungent and bitter flavour. They are used in the preparation of rice, veggies and dressings as well as in condiments. Native to Europe, Nigella seeds are called “love-in-a-mist” spice. It holds significance in Roman and Greek cuisine.
