Inspiration / Spice Profiles

Spice Profile: Star Anise, Illicium Verum  Star Anise is pronounced as star \ˈa-nəs\ , scientific name Illicium Verum. Anise is often mispronounced. Hear the correct pronunciation.   Also Known As Star Anise is also known as star anise seeds, star aniseed, Chinese star anise, anise stars, Chinese anise, Indian anise, chakra phool, and takkola.   What is Star Anise? Star Anise is a spice that is widely used in cooking and home remedies. It is the dried, star-shaped fruit of a small oriental tree. It’s rust-colored, has tough skin, and can measure to over 1” long. Each star has between...

Scientific Name Foeniculum Vulgare What is Fennel? A relative of the bulbous fennel used as a vegetable, fennel herb is a tall, hardy perennial that is used mostly for its seeds. Fennel, like parsley, is a member of the carrot family. What is the History of Fennel? Fennel is native to the Mediterranean and is one of the oldest cultivated plants. Romans ate fennel as a vegetable and it has been used medicinally all over Asia.  How is Fennel Grown? Fennel plants grow easily in many conditions. It is a perennial and will self seed. It can also cross pollinate with dill,...

Scientific Name Chenopodium Ambrosioides What is Epazote? A weed native to Mexico, Epazote leaves add a bitter and bright flavor to Mayan cuisines from Mexico and Guatemala. Used fresh in Mexico, Epazote can be found and used as a dried leaf in the US and Canada. What is the History of Epazote? Epazote has been used for many centuries in Mexican cuisines. It was also used in medicinal purposes to treat worms and parasites as well as digestion issues. How is Epazote Grown? Epazote grows easily and is even considered a weed in some places. It has a stronger flavor...

Scientific Name Anethum Graveolens What is Dill? Grown for its feathery fronds and pungent seeds, dill has a bright but warm flavor and aroma that is unmistakable. Dill is used in a wide variety of cuisines as diverse as Scandinavian and Middle Eastern. It is essential to the classic dill pickle and Russian borscht. What is the History of Dill? Dill is native to southern Russia, western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean. It has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes as well as culinary purposes. The first recorded use of dill was in Egypt 5,000 years ago. It was...

Many Americans are surprised to find out that curry isn't a spice, but rather a blend of spices, chilies and other aromatics. And, the specific blend of spices can vary widely from culture to culture and cook to cook. The word curry dates from the 18th century and probably comes from the Indian word 'kari' meaning sauce. The sauces we now classify as curries, come from all over South Asia and vary widely in their composition. In 1889, at the Universal Paris Exposition, a 'Curry Decree' set the composition of curry as having specific amounts of tamarind, onion, coriander, chilli pepper,...