Five-spice powder is a popular Chinese spice blend with five distinct flavors, including sweet, salty, umami, sour, and bitter. It is believed that the incorporation..

Besides its many culinary and therapeutic applications, mustard oil is used the same way coffee beans are used to revive one’s sense of smell. It’s..

Culantro may sound and taste similar to cilantro, and while the two share the same botanical family, they are poles apart in their appearance and..

One sniff of a ginkgo fruit might instantly turn you off from ever eating it. Its scent has been described as akin to dog poo,..

The heart of Jewish cuisine is tradition, and at the center of time-honored Jewish delicacies is gefilte fish, a classic dish enjoyed for sabbath dinner..

Tragacanth, known as “gond katira” around the Indian subcontinent, is a naturally occurring gum with great culinary and industrial importance. Read on to learn more..

The leaves, stems, and seeds of the mustard plant are all edible and widely used in cooking. While the greens are utilized in fresh salads,..

Addictingly sweet, buttery, and fragrant, sugar apple is a tropical fruit that’s unusually attractive and flavor-packed. Although sugar apples are eaten out of hand, and..

Fugu has gained quite a reputation for being one of the most deadly fishes you can consume. But despite this, it’s still considered a delicacy..

Archbishop Desmond Tutu called South Africa a “rainbow nation” in 1994, using the phrase to describe the country’s post-apartheid community. Today, regional chefs are expanding..

When it comes to gin, most of us will think of the crisp, juniper-forward drink that’s on every back bar. But there’s a lot more..

Prickly water lily, known as “fox nuts” in the United States and “Phool makhana” in South Asia, is a delicious and healthy snack. It’s not..

Rich and buttery with just the right amount of saltiness and tang, Emmental cheese is a versatile classic that’s just as good on its own..

Delicate, fresh, and citrusy, dill is an aromatic plant whose leaves, stems, and seeds are of great culinary importance as they add vibrancy, flavor, and..

Sour, bitter, and slightly sweet, Indian gooseberry offers a complex flavor profile that’s best enjoyed as preserves, dips, and drinks. Read on to learn more..