I’m very excited to be teaching an introduction to spices class called Spice 101: Spice Basics at World Spice Merchants in Seattle on January 18th.

If you find the spices in your cupboard to be a little mystifying this is the class for you. I’ll be focusing on the flavor profiles of common spices so you can learn to use them creatively and cook to your palate rather than being bound by the limitations of a recipe. I’ll also cover tips on buying, storing, grinding, and toasting spices.

If you have a jar of caraway, for example, that was purchased for a particular recipe and now you have no idea what to do with the rest of it, this class is for you! Here are the class details:

January 18th, 2012 Rescheduled post-snowpocoalypse for

January 25th, 2012
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
World Spice Merchants, 1509 Western Avenue, Seattle
Cost is $45
Register for the class now!

There will be many snacks and tastes of foods served during the class to illustrate the flavors of the different spices. Everyone will also receive a custom booklet with information and recipes highlighting each of the spices discussed.  World Spice is offering a 10% discount on purchases made the night of the class.

I’d love to have you join me for this fun night of exploring the flavors and uses of common spices. Sign up here. Don’t delay because the class is limited to 18 people.

A rainbow of black, white, green and pink peppercorns made for a lively SpiceChat. We even hit on a few spices that aren’t technically peppercorns, but can easily play that role in a dish adding a touch of exotic flair.

About Peppercorns

Black peppercorns

Black pepper is a foundational flavor for cuisines around the world and is known as the King of Spices. Peppercorns were so highly prized in ancient times that they were used to pay debts, taxes, bribes, ransoms, and even part of a brides dowry.  The search for these flavorful little berries is what drove the early spice trade and brought riches to entire countries. Black pepper accounts for about 35% of the modern day global spice trade. Vietnam is the largest producer of black pepper, but it’s Tellicherry and Malabar peppercorns from India that are considered to be the highest quality due to their exceptionally complex flavor and exquisite aroma.

Assorted peppercorns in SpiceCare contianers

Pepper makes up 18% of the US spice market, behind vanilla (33%) and capsicum (22%). @luckyfatima shared that before chiles arrived in South Asia food was spiced with long pepper (Piper longum) which can be used like black pepper, but has a distinct floral aroma with piney camphorus hints.

The compound piperine gives pepper it’s pungent kick of heat. Interestingly it’s not released until the peppercorns are cracked or ground. It’s particularly important to store peppercorns away from direct light because light degrades the piperine molecule resulting in flat and bland tasting pepper. Other flavor and aroma compounds are readily lost if pepper is exposed to air, so not only is an airtight storage container important, but grinding pepper fresh for each use will make a difference in the flavor. @bronacos aptly chimed in with, “Pre-ground pepper is nothing more than sawdust; why bother! There, I’ve said it!” any many SpiceChatters tweeted in agreement. @mike_lozano says, “The day I tossed my shaker and got a pepper grinder forever changed the way I approach spices.” Bravo!

Black, white and green peppercorns all come from the same Piper nigrum plant, which is a climbing shrub that produces long spikes each containing 20 to 40 berries. If the fruit is harvested when it’s full size but not ripe it’s used for black and green peppercorns. If the berries are sun-dried they turn black and become black peppercorns. If the berries are freeze dried they remain green and are sold as green peppercorns. The freeze drying process makes green peppercorns very lightweight, so don’t be alarmed by the higher price compared to black and white peppercorns if you’re buying them by the ounce. White peppercorns are harvested once the fruit starts to ripen. The outer hull is removed to expose the smooth creamy-white center of the peppercorn.  White pepper is significantly more popular than black pepper in Europe and just the opposite is true in the U.S.

Pink peppercorns come from a completely different plant known as Schinus terebinthifolius. They contain none of the piperine compound that gives black, white and green peppercorns their heat. Pink peppercorns are very lightweight appearing to be almost hollow beneath the fine papery husk

My Spice Sage sells all types of peppercorns, including a Peppery Perfection Set of 10 different peppery spices. SpiceCare containers are of course a great airtight storage solution for all your spices, pepper included.

SpiceChat Prize winners

SpiceChat prizes!

Congratulations to @tkharmonic and @arecipejunkie who were the winners of an assortment of My Spice Sage peppercorns.

@TheTastetress and @DiscoverEndive each won a SpiceCare Starter Kit to keep their spices fresh and organized.

The Djinn's Dilemma by Mina Khan

We had an extra special spicy twist to the Peppercorn SpiceChat compliments of the lovely long-time SpiceChat participant @SpiceBites. Just days before the chat her spicy (as in steamy-spicy not piperine-spicy) romance novel, The Djinn’s Dilemma, was published and she was gracious enough to give away a copy during the chat.

Congratulations to @momofbestbaby for winning a copy of Mina Khan’s new book! If you’re looking for a spicy novel to curl up with in front of the fireplace this winter check out The Djinn’s Delimma.

 Flavor and Aroma of Peppercorns

SpiceChatters described black pepper as having a woody, earthyness with floral, citrus, and sometimes clove notes surfacing when ground. @SpicyBites described black pepper as an explosive bold flavor that’s always needed and much loved. @endivechronicle praised the “sultry heat of black pepper” and offers nothing more than indifference when it comes to white pepper.

The clean pungent heat of white pepper is pure piperine. Because the outer husk of the peppercorn has been removed, white pepper doesn’t have the floral-fruity aromas that are associated with black pepper. To which @SpiceBites chides, “Without the aroma? What’s the point?”

The lack of sun drying leaves green peppercorns with a bright grassy flavor that’s almost fruity, though this fresh herby element is quickly followed by a noticeable kick of heat.

Pink peppercorns brought many comments referencing citrus, berry, and floral aromas. Lacking any piperine, the flavor is soft and mild, which makes it a favorite for dessert applications.

Great Flavor Pairings

Black Peppercorns pair well with Basil, Rosemary & Thyme. – @MySpiceSage

Great for oven “fried” potatoes. – @tkharmonic

Black pepper is present in global mixes — garam masala, 5 Spice Powder, Cajun/Creole blends, etc. = @SpiceBites

Black pepper is typically a part of an Indo-Pak garam masala blend. It is one of the ‘warming’ (garam) spices. – @luckyfatima

Equal parts black pepper, Sichuan pepper, and salt makes a great rub for meats & poultry. – @TableFare

Love black pepper with nutmeg actually. – @VeenasMarket

Who doesn’t like the three flavors of lemon, garlic & pepper? Combine them & you have a taste sensation! – @MySpiceSage

Peppercorns are great with vinegar and garlic. – @deeCuisine

Black Peppercorns as the Hero

Pepper is used in nearly every type of dish imaginable. It’s probably the most familiar spice in any kitchen, though @ DiscoverEndive commented, “I will admit I’m guilty of overlooking pepper in my cooking. I’ll add it if a recipe calls for it, but regularly undercut the amount.” @macromama concurred that she under-peppers dishes. Because of our literary tie-in for this SpiceChat we started out by sharing recipes that feature peppercorns as the hero of the dish. The perfect inspiration if you too find that you’re a little shy with pepper. Of course a light hand with any spice is perfectly reasonable if you like the way it tastes. That’s the whole point behind one of my favorite phrases, “season to taste.”

Poultry and Eggs

I add freshly ground black pepper to sunny side up eggs right before we eat them. – @arecipejunkie

A soft boiled egg with partially uncooked yolk seasoned with salt and coarsely ground black pepper, mmmh. – @luckyfatima

Black Peppercorn Karhai Chicken is a Frontier Pakistani dish from @luckyfatima with rich flavor and heat from e deep fried crushed black peppercorns.

San Francisco’s famous Slanted Door restaurant’s Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken is a simple stir fry with flavor from ginger, chiles and black pepper! – @TableFare

Chicken Adobo! – @callingindead

I’m thinking of bacon & peppercorned turkey breast! – @arecipejunkie

I love throwing a small palm-full of peppercorns into stock that I’m simmering. – @DiscoverEndive

Pork

Crock Pot Peppercorn Porkchops. YUM! @mike_lozano

Definitely! And maybe some White Country Sausage Gravy on top, extra pepper! @TheTastetress

And biscuits. – @arecipejunkie

Back in the olden days when I still ate meat, I used to stick peppercorns and cloves in a pork roast before roasting. @KarenDuvall

 Beef

Steak & Peppercorns would be my idea of a hero. – @SpiceBites

Talk about a hero, Anthony Bourdain’s Steak au Poivre – @TableFare

I saw Bourdain munching on green peppercorn crab in the recent Cambodia episode. Now THAT looked stellar! – @luckyfatima

How could I forget! On my Ribeye please! – @TheTastetress

A classic Black Pepper Crusted Roast Beef - @Cafe_Nervosa

Braised Peppercorn Short Ribs from @Rouxbe – a perfect fall meal. – @TableFare

As it gets closer to the holidays, I start thinking about tangerine/peppercorn stir fry. – @tkharmonic

Seafood

Fresh Alaskan Salmon

Orange zest and black pepper salmon rub. – @tkharmonic

Oh yes! Peppercorn and Seafood, perfect combo! – @SpiceBites

Vegetables

Wedge & Caesar Salads – @TheTastetress

I can’t eat Caesar Salad without freshly cracked black pepper. – @mike_lozano

I had a Caesar salad with pepper pop rocks over the weekend–strange sensation to have them popping in my mouth! – @Robinsbite

The pepper pop rocks were cool and weird–chef who created it is out of the box. The pop rocks did overpower the dish, though. – @Robinsbite

Cucumbers with Lime Juice and Black Pepper is my cousins favorite salad. – @arecipejunkie

Fresh cracked black pepper on fresh corn on the cob with butter and flake salt. The pepper almost steals the spotlight. -@TableFare

Really I just like fresh ground pepper on mashed potatoes. I can’t imagine eating them without the fresh pepper taste. -@tkharmonic

Black Pepper & Lime Oven Fries from @101Cookbooks is a great flavor combo. – @TableFare

Peppercorn really pairs well with potatoes, butternut squash & pumpkin…ooh, I want to cook! – @SpiceBites

Pasta

I use it as the star of my arribiata-style sauce. – @endivechronicle

Classic Spaghetti with Crushed Black Pepper and Pecorino Cheese from the master @LidiaBastianich. – @TableFare

Pastina with Parmigiana and Mac n’ Cheese. - @TheTastetress

Breads and Crackers

I love griddle toasted whole black peppercorn in Rava Dosa, great to bite into while devouring the dosa. – @luckyfatima

3-4 tsp of cracked peppercorns added to bread or cracker dough will give a great flavor & nice kick of lingering heat. – @TableFare

Reminds me of cracked pepper water crackers. I Love them with cheese and charcuterie. – @DiscoverEndive

Spreads and Dips

Whole crushed peppercorns (3 colors) in olive oil and marinate goat cheese in it.- @janis_tester

Fresh cracked pepper, any color, stirred into mayo for spread, or yogurt for dip with a little salt & lemon is great. – @MySpiceSage

Fresh cracked pepper stirred into homemade ranch dressing. Yum. – @SimplyImprssve

Freshly made salsa! Cilantro & White Onions baby. @arecipejunkieI

Crushed pink or green or black peppercorns simply mixed into softened butter makes a lovely compound butter. Especially on fresh baked rolls!  - @MySpiceSage

Herbed butter with mixed peppercorns also looks very pretty on the table, you can cut & place into dish for personal butter plates. – @tkharmonic

I always do individual compound butters for my dinner parties. – @Chef_Sharon

It’s a really nice touch and people remember it, plus, it’s not difficult or time consuming. Win/win. – @tkharmonic

Black peppercorn infused honey – is a hot & sweet hit. Leaving a little crushed peppercorn in the honey is pretty too. – @TableFare

One of my favorites is deep fried goat cheese drizzled with honey, sprinkled with cracked black pepper. – @poodle_power

Fruit

Pepper is the heroine with strawberries and basil. – @SpiceBites

I think pepper shines when paired with fruit. Strawberry Black Pepper jam is pretty spectacular. – @nomnivorous

Or in Strawberry Scones too. – @TheTastetress

That would make a gr8 ice cream flavor. – @tspbasil

Would love strawberry black pepper jam recipe. @SimplyImprssve

I like the sound of this Strawberry Black Pepper Jam with Balsamic from Gourmet Magazine. @TableFare

I love freshly ground black pepper with a bit of sea salt on peeled oranges that are sweet. Mom would make these! – @VeenasMarket

That combo with a lamb stew? – @theonlymeat

Yes! – @VeenasMarket

I love the sweet/savory mix to give heat to dessert like in this  Baked Apple with Black Pepper recipe by Gordon Ramsay. – @tkharmonic

I’ve heard mangos and peppercorns pair well. – @mike_lozano

Ooh, mangoes and peppercorn with lime and mint…Oh my! – @SpiceBites

This Fruit Salad with Black Pepper Dressing sounds strangely good. – @TableFare

Drinks

Freshly ground pepper (black or white) in lemonade sweetened with honey is another treat. – @VeenasMarket

I make homemade limoncello – now thinking of adding white or pink peppercorns to the mix. – @Tspbasil

I’ve infused vinegar and vodka with peppercorns. The vodka is used for Bloody Mary’s – @SimplyImprssve

I was thinking vodka & Blood Mary to. – @SpiceBites

I can never say no to a good, fresh-made Bloody Mary. Classic application. – @mike_lozano

Once you’ve had your fill of Black Pepper Vodka Martinis & Bloody Mary’s, use it to make Mango Sorbet. @TableFare

I’ve mostly just used pepper to rim the glasses.- @tkharmonic

 Yoghurt, cumin, blackpepper, salt = Salt Lassi. – @Ganga108

Reminds me of the borhani served at weddings in Bangladesh. – @SpiceBites

A family favorite! – @VeenasMarket

Crushed ginger, lime juice, honey and crushed black peppercorn infusion can be drunk to heal a sore throat. – @luckyfatima

I’ve had ginger, lemon, maple & cayenne as a sore throat cure, funny how some ingredients change. – @poodle_power

A few peppercorns added to a pot of cider along with cinnamon stick & cloves is perfect.- @TableFare

Cooking with White Pepper

White Peppercorns works well in cream sauces & soups to maintain a pale appearance. – @MySpiceSage

White peppercorns

I use white pepper in mashed potatoes and light colored dishes, black otherwise. -@mike_lozanoI 

 I cook for a client that doesn’t want to see black pepper so I use white. – @Chef_Sharon 

I prefer white pepper on most things. @q_thechef

I usually use white pepper in Chinese dishes. I use in small quantities because it has a gamey barnyard smell to me. @luckyfatima

If white pepper isn’t processed properly it can develop an off aroma that is musty and unpleasant. Always test before using. @TableFare          

Silly question, but does white pepper make you sneeze as much as black pepper? – @tkharmonic

Anyone else noticed this? – @TableFare     

I love a sprinkle of white pepper in a steaming bowl of congee. – @Cafe_Nervosa 

White pepper is very popular in Moroccan cooking. – @marocmama   

My Mac & Cheese recipe has White Pepper!! YUM! – @arecipejunkie    

 White pepper is underrated; it adds great warm note to baked goods. – @bronacos

White Pepper Shortbread Cookies

These White Pepper Shortbread Cookies will spice up your holiday cookie swap. These are great!

Does anyone else have a hard time grinding white peppercorns? I have a really nice Peugeot grinder, but it doesn’t feed them through. – @poodle_power

 Could it be because they’re so smooth? I always just use a mortar and pestle. - @TableFare

I grind white peppercorns in a peppermill. – @SimplyImpressive

Cooking with Green Peppercorns

I like pork loin with green peppercorn. – @momofbestbaby

Green Peppercorns

A Great filet mignon in white sauce and green peppercorns is just divine. – @momofbestbaby

We get great mussels in the Northwest and Muscles in Green Peppercorn Sauce sounds like a perfect match. – @TableFare

I like Green Peppercorns best in Asian & Creole Dishes, mild flavor doesn’t compete with chiles & other spicy additions! – @TheTastetress

I love green peppercorns, I have only ever had them in Thai food, but so delicious. – @luckyfatima

I like the green pepper on salads, but I usually just use the mixed color mill for salads and fresh veggies. – @tkharmonic

I think green peppercorns have a bit of a green bell pepper taste that works in salad. – @tkharmonic

The warm herby aroma of tarragon is a great match with green peppercorn in this Green Bean Salad. – @TableFare

These Green Peppercorn Pistachio Crackers seem dangerously addictive! – @TableFare

A Green Peppercorn Sauce made with cognac will fancy up a steak instantly. – @MySpiceSage

Green Peppercorn Mustard is something I’m going to be trying. Love the idea from @CDKitchen. – @TableFare

Green Peppercorns are very compatible with sweet Spices like Cinnamon & Ginger! – @MySpiceSage

If you’re tired of basic tomato bruschetta, try Rhubarb Green Peppercorn Brie Crostini from @sunsetmag. – @TableFare

Cooking with Pink Peppercorns

Chocolate Pink Peppercorn Cupcake reicpe and had to try it. - @tkharmonic

Forget those little silver balls, decorate with candied pink peppercorns. – @TableFare

Good for kids, or just adults? – @DiscoverEndive

I don’t think kids would like them. – @TableFare

Oooh I saw a Pink Peppercorn Chocolate Brownie recipe I’m dying to try. – @SpiceBites

Harry’s Spiced Winter Chocolate Brownies — Cook Yourself Thin Recipe @tkharmonic

I love pink peppercorns with chocolate. These Thumbprint Cookies are great! – @TableFare

Speaking of desserts…Pink Peppercorn ice cream? http://t.co/33tQe8rN @SpiceBites

Pink Peppercorn Pavlova with Strawberries, Vanilla Cream & Basil Syrup. This will sweep you off your feet! – @TableFare

My idea of a pink peppercorn heroine is with strawberries & basil. – @SpiceBites

Pink pepper is good with fruit dishes. – @momofbestbaby

Be warned, this is addictive. Cocoa Nib Pink Peppercorn Caramel Corn. – @TableFare

I love pink peppercorns to accompany the black in my chai blend. It is very complimentary to traditional chai spices. – @endivechronicle

Pink Peppercorns also pair well with sweet Spices! – @MySpiceSage

The beets are beautiful now, @finecooking has a spectacular Beet Sandwich with Goat Cheese and Pink Pepper! – @TableFare

Poached leeks with Pink Peppercorn Dressing Recipe. – @spiceandtea

 Other Spices in the Place of Peppercorns

Grains of Paradise

I’m also experimenting with Grains of Paradise in place of peppercorns. – @mike_lozano

 Grains of paradise is awesome. – @SimplyImprssve

A topic for a future SpiceChat, but you can read about Grains of Paradise in the Spice Library and of course buy them from My Spice Sage if you want to give them a try.

Has anyone used Sichuan Peppercorns? Try this amazing recipe for Chocolate Brioche with Sichuan Pepper from Food and Wine Magazine @callingindead

Next SpiceChat

SpiceChat is regularly scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month from 4-5 p.m. ET. I hope you will drop in and share a recipe or tip for using cloves on December 7th. Here are all the details about SpiceChat.

Past SpiceChats

• Bay Leaves (October 5th) 
• Vanilla Beans (September 7th) Sorry, recap not available
• Sesame Seeds (August 3, 2011)
• Basil (July 6, 2011)
• Chile Peppers (June 1, 2011)
• Caraway Seeds (May 4, 2011)
• Fennel Seeds (April 6, 2011)
• Coriander (March 2, 2011)
• Cinnamon (February 2, 2011)

Did you know that what we in the U.S. call cinnamon, most of the rest of world calls cassia? In the same way I doubt we’ll ever convert to metric measurements, though I’ll put a plug in for using gram measurements when baking, we will likely always call cassia cinnamon.

I’m excited to share with you the latest addition to the spice education and inspiration on our site. Our first Video Spice Spotlight focuses on the different types of cinnamon and why some cinnamon gets clumpy when added to liquid.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfzOaWI2AFI

As though multiple types of cinnamon weren’t enough to keep track of, each type of cinnamon can have multiple common names, but there’s a simple way to cut through the name clutter. Knowing the botanical names will keep you on the right track. They’re ridiculously hard to pronounce at first glance, but you don’t have to pronounce them. Once you recognize what type of cassia or cinnamon you’re after, use the common name.

Cassia varieties:

Cinnamomum cassia (sin-uh-MOH-mum Kass-ee-uh)
aka Cinnamomum aromaticum

• Chinese
• Canto

Cinnamomum burmannii (sin-uh-MOH-mum bur-MAHN-ee-eye)

• Korintje
• Batavia
• Sumatra

Cinnamomum loureirii (sin-uh-MOH-mum lor-EAR-ee-eye)

• Saigon
• Vietnamese

True Cinnamon:

Cinnamomum verum (sin-uh-MOH-mum VER-um)

• Ceylon
• Seychelles
• True cinnamon

If you’re buying prepackaged cinnamon in a grocery store, it will likely just be labeled cinnamon, but of course you know it’s actually cassia. You can be pretty sure it’s Cinnamomum burmannii because that’s the most common variety imported to the U.S. The bulk bin offerings at grocery stores generally list the botanical name along with the common name of spices, making it easier to figure out what you’re buying.

Specialty spice shops typically offer a variety of cinnamons and confusion can set in if they use a common name you’re not familiar with. Thankfully spice shops seem to always list the botanical names, so once again, mystery solved. Remembering the complicated botanical names isn’t critical. The spice merchant can explain the differences between the various cinnamons offered, or you can always just pull up the cinnamon and cassia entries in our Spice Library on your smart phone!

Check out the other great cinnamon information available on our site. Oh, and if you need something to store your cinnamon in, we can help you with that too!

• Spice Library Cassia and True Cinnamon entries with links to all the recipes on our site that use cinnamon.
• Dorie Greenspan shares love of cinnamon in our Celebrity Spice Inspirations.
• Twitter #SpiceChat Cinnamon Recap has a wealth of creative ideas on cooking with cinnamon from Twitter users all over the world along with links to loads of recipes that highlight this popular spice.
• SpiceCare spice storage contianers.

Are bay leaves a forgotten herb in modern cooking? @fourchickens raised this point during the Bay Leaf SpiceChat. It seems like with most spices, bay leaves have their ardent supporters that couldn’t imagine not having a hefty stash of this aromatic herb at the ready in their kitchens, and those that have yet to discover all that bay leaves can bring to their cooking. @PoetInThePantry joined in the chat looking for bay leaf inspiration having only ever seen bay leaves used in beef stew. If you’ve been sheltered from all that bay leaves can do, cinch down your apron because the Bay Leaf SpiceChat was packed full of great ways to take full advantage of this spectacular herb. What follows will likely have you racing for the kitchen.

Turkish Bay Leaves

@cynnims started cooking with bay leaves right in the middle of the chat! @bonnevivante shared, “One leaf inside a potato, wrapped in foil and roasted. + butter =delish.” Then @cynnims chimes in with “I just popped a potato in to bake for lunch, have added a few bay leaves, great simple idea!”

Wow, live action SpiceChat! How cool is that?

About Bay Leaves

Bay leaves come from an evergreen tree native to Asia, but it’s now widely cultivated with two of the largest producers being Turkey and Egypt. There are many varieties of bay trees and not all are edible, so it’s important to know what you are picking if you gather your own. Laurelus nobilis is known as Turkish Bay Leaf and is the most widely used variety in both the fresh and dried forms. Fresh bay leaves are mildly bitter, but drying dissipates the bitterness and intensifies the flavor.

Pickling Spice from My Spice Sage

Bay leaves are used all over the world, but are particularly popular in Mediterranean, Italian, French, Turkish, and Moroccan cuisines. They are also a key element in most pickling spice blends.

On a non-culinary note, historically bay leaves have been used to honor achievements. Laurel wreaths were bestowed upon winners of athletic competitions and the Boston Marathon continues this tradition by presenting the first male and female finisher with a crown of laurel. Laurel berries were used to honor scholars, which is where the term baccalaureate comes from.

@SpiceSherpa shared a clever tip. Toss a few bay leaves into your clothes dryer in place of a scented dryer sheet.

@nella22 informed us that the Spanish translation for bay leaf is “Hoja de Laurel.”

California Bay Leaf (left) Turkish Bay Leaf (right)

California bay leaves aren’t interchangeable with Turkish bay leaves. They actually come from the Umbellularia californica plant, which isn’t related to Laurelus nobilis. The flavor has a much stronger menthol characteristic that can easily overpower a dish. California bay leaves are most commonly used in pickling, large seafood boils, and quick-cooked dishes because the flavor is so much more intense than Turkish bay.

Bay leaves are typically used whole to infuse flavor into food, and as @LynnATL points out, it’s important to remember to remove them before serving the dish. The leaves are too tough to eat whole. @fourchickens brought up a great point that bay leaves can be used crumbled or ground and commented, “I think the days of “OMG you’ll DIE if you eat a bay leaf” should be rightly over!” So true. @spicysouth aptly points out, “I think the only way it will kill you is to choke on it!”

Ground Bay Leaf from My Spice Sage

Bay leaves are sold ground, conveniently @MySpiceSage sells ground bay leaf, and will ship it right to you. @SpiceBites points out that ground bay leaves lose their potency quicker than whole, a good thing to keep in mind for most all spices. I find it easier to grind bay leaves in an electric spice grinder rather than a mortar and pestle and it helps to crumble them up first. I’m a big fan of always buying whole spices and grinding them fresh as needed because they stay fresh and flavorful for so much longer, but the convenience of pre-ground spices can be best leveraged by purchasing small quantities that you will use quickly. The other bonus to buying whole spices is you get the best of both worlds because you can always grind the spice if you need a powder. I loved @SpicBites comment, “You are having authentic Indian/desi food if you have to fish out the whole spices from the dish!” It’s always a good idea to keep a count of any whole spices you add so you can be sure you’ve fished them all out.

SpiceChat Prize Winners

Based on pure random selection four lucky SpiceChatters scored some great spice swag!

@GoodCookDoris and @fourchickens were the lucky recipients of a TableFare SpiceCare Starter Kit to keep their spice collection perfectly organized.

@amishhome and @Chef_Sharon won an assortment of My Spice Sage spices including, of course bay leaves.

SpiceChat prizes!

Bay Leaf Flavor and Aroma

Bay leaves are a strong pungent herb that can overpower a dish if used too aggressively. Typically one or two leaves is all that’s needed to add a lovely depth of flavor to a pot of soup or stew. Here are some of the responses to the question, “describe the flavor and aroma of bay leaf.”

Earthy – @sabaladas

Heady. Love adding bay leaves to soups and stews – @SpiceBites

Woodsy with hints of eucalyptus and warm nutmeg and clove notes. – @TableFare

The cooling camphor quality in bay leaves comes from the chemical cineole which is about 50% of the essential oil in bay. – @TableFare

Bay leaves add depth to dishes. I use dried bay and add it at the beginning of cooking. – @SpiceBites

When I rode my horse in CA. there were bay trees on trail. I’d grab handfuls and stuff under the cantle. An aromatic ride. – @SpiceSherpa

Spices, herbs and flavors that pair well with bay leaf

Bay leaf is an essential ingredient in the French herb bundle, bouquet garni, along with thyme, marjoram, rosemary and parsley. Pickling spice blends generally include bay leave along with a wide variety of other spices such as peppercorns, allspice, dill, and mustard seed. Many garam masalas will include bay leaf as well. Classic spice blends are a great reference when trying to select herbs and spices that complement one another.

@Learntopreserve’s Pickling Spice Blend (for spicy dill pickles) is a great example of spices that go well with bay leaf.

Corinader Chickpeas and Potatoes

Bay Leaves have an affinity for tomatoes and bay adds nice flavor to this Coriander Chickpea & Potatoes dish. – @TableFare

Oregano, garlic, basil, thyme and onion work fabulously. – @bonnevivante

Dill and bay are good together. I also like bay in omelets with red pepper. – @spiceysouth

The savory woodsy aroma of bay pairs well with most herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. – @TableFare

Bay Leaves are nice with oregano, onion, garlic, black pepper & cumin. – @MySpiceSage

That sounds like a nice chili base. - @tspbasil

I use bay in lots of Cajun dishes, it’s very French! – @spiceysouth

The nutmeg and clove notes in bay leaves make it work with cinnamon and allspice too. – @TableFare

I’ve not tried it but always thought bay would pair nicely with citrus. – @SpiceSherpa

It sounds like a great match to me. Other fruits like apples or pears would be good too. -@TableFare

Stew and so much more

Stews, braises and other slow cooking

I’m not sure my soups and stews would be the same without bay leaves…they’re a must. – @LearnToPreserve

I always use Bay leaf in stews! Must have herb. – @ourgirl

I add bay leaf to all soups, stews, chili and curries. – @SpiceBites

I add them to stews and sauces. – @Kitchycooker

I make traditional chicken soup and always have a bay leaf as part of the mix. Would not be the same flavor without! – @myglobalkitchen

My mother makes a hearty soup of beef on bone, carrots, tomatoes, onions, various Chinese ingredients and bay leaves! – @Cafe_Nervosa

Bay leaves simmering in a big pot of turkey soup post Thanksgiving is a strong childhood. food memory. – @TableFare

Bay leaves in a consume soup always perk up the flavor when you don’t have much on hand to work with. – @SpiceSherpa

Pork and Hominy Stew

I add a bay leaf to my Pork & Hominy Stew. – @TableFare

My favorite French Onion Soup recipe – includes a bay leaf and fresh thyme. – @LynnATL

Potato, Green Cabbage & Leek Soup with Lemon Creme Fraiche is perfect to transition from summer to fall. – MySpiceSage

The latest dish I’ve made with a bay leaf is this Tuscan White Bean Stew. - @nella22

Tuscan White Bean Soup from @nella22 of Cooking With Books Blog (photo posted with permission)

Could there be a more quintessential slow cooked dish than Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon? – @TableFare

Classic French comfort food – in a bouquet garni in boeuf bourguignon. – @Cafe_Nervosa

I love Julia Child’s bouef bourguinon. – @nuria_s

Another French classic that relies on a bay leaf is Coq Au Vin. Comfort food in a crockpot for busy days! – @LynnATL

Coq au vin, lamb and white bean casserole are two favorites. – @KyraTX

I make beef tongue and the warmth of Bay leaves in the broth lends the most incredible flavor. – @myglobalkitchen

Braised short ribs. A nice fall dish. – @GoodCookDoris

I’ve always just used bay for seafood, but it’s so good in lots of different things. – @spiceysouth, @tspbasil

Sauces galore

Greek neighbor adds bay leaf and cinnamon stick to the oil when making pasta meat sauce. So good! – @YouCanCookThis

My mom made homemade spaghetti sauce each week and threw in a bay leaf. I do, too! – @fourchickens

I never forget a few leaves in my tomato sauce. – @bonnevivante

I use bay in homemade tomato sauce, or to improve the taste of a quicky can of tomatoes. – @tspbasil

Pepperoni Sauce from Top Chef Mike Isabella purees the bay leaf right into the sauce. – @Chef_Sharon

I like bay in cream and white sauces. We have a wee bay “tree” in the yard. Yay! – @onlinepastrychf

Ground bay goes well in sausage gravy. It’s really strong, doesn’t take much. – @spiceysouth

A chef I was talking to makes peppercorn sauce with Turkish bay leaves. – @SpiceBites

Chicken, kababs, and Baboti

My friend @NeonGirl made this Jump-in-the-Pan-Chicken for me. A great example of bay leaf in a quick-cook dish.

If you soak dried bay then drape around chicken or pork kebabs, you get a lovely bay flavor without slow cooking – @YouCanCookThis

Chicken Breasts en Pappillote recipe from @fineCooking definitely picks up the bay flavor. – @MySpiceSage

Check out this South African Baboti recipe-use the bay leaves as decoration on top but they give flavor too – @myglobalkitchen

Rice and noodles

I find that bay leaf is also essential in meaty rice dishes- arroz con pollo, jamabalaya – @sabaladas

I always toss a leaf in with rice too – and often with pasta – if the sauce is sage butter, or tomato based. -@YouCanCookThis

I was thinking bay might be nice in risotto. – @onlinepastrychf

Love to toss a leaf in when steaming rice. – @cynnims

Rice Pilaf with Spinach and White Beans

I always toss a bay leaf in when cooking rice. Here’s a simple Rice Pilaf with Spinach & White Beans. – @TableFare

Beans, curry and vegetables

I put bay in my white beans with ham shanks. I’m so hungry for FALL! Can you tell? – @Chef_Sharon

Ooh yes, ham and white beans and bay and maybe a splash of apple cider … so nearly fall I can almost taste it! -@YouCanCookThis

I use a bay leaf in my three bean chili. – @amishhome

I add bay leaves to my lentils (daals)…mom says you only put in a certain kind of lentil…but hey, I’m a rule breaker. – @SpiceBites

Bay leaves are essential in aromatic curries. – @Cafe_Nervosa

I use fresh bay leaves in my curry. Also, I have a bay leaf tree–I love it! – @fourchickens

Check out @sabaladas Bay Leaf Scented Roasted Beets. – @TableFare

This insprired me to roast beets and potatoes (using @bonnevivante’s tip to insert the bay leaf into the potato) with garlic and fresh lemon verbena.

Roast Veggies with Bay, Lemon Verbena, and Garlic

When you can get great corn on the cob, try this Coconut Grilled Corn with bay leaf. – @MySpiceSage

Pickles and preserves

Where would my preserved chutneys be without spices? – @LearnToPreserve

Preserves of all sorts would be so dull without spices! – @TableFare

@LearnToPreserve please share a preserved chutney (with bay leaf) recipe! – @LynnATL

I like this Pear Chutney by @LearntoPreserve and a bay leaf would be great added to the mix. – @TableFare

This @finecooking Fig, Lemon and Pear Mostarda with bay leaf looks amazing and it’s fig & pear season! – @TableFare

I made a blueberry-bay jam that was nice.- @TableFare

How would you use bay leaves with blueberries? Steep them? grind them up? – @Kitchycooker

I infused the bay in the jam while it cooked and removed the leaf before canning it. – @TableFare

I just made Tomato Jam last night with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Smelled so amazing in my kitchen. -@LearnToPreserve

Pickled Mushrooms from @fine cooking sound great with garlic, thyme, bay, and chile. – @MySpiceSage

Beverages

I’ve never tried in drinks but I’m thinking steeped in lemonade? – @tspbasil

That sounds like a great idea–bay lemonade! – @onlinepastrychf

I should put some in a pitcher of water in the fridge to get a feel for how they taste as a beverage. – @onlinepastrychf

I make drinks like these using sparkling water all the time. Delicious. – @Chef_Sharon

I like your water idea to – just to get an idea of flavor. Adding seltzer takes it to the next level! – @tspbasil

Herb infusions with alcohol seem to be the next big thing! – @fourchickens

Bay-infused vodka, anyone? It probably would also be good in gin.- @onlinepastrychf

I think bay would do well with gin since it’s already herb-y. – @fourchickens

Cucumber @DRYSoda and St. Germain with a slice of cucumber and bay leaf for garnish. Also in lemonade! – @bonnevivante

I might have to play around with fresh bay-infused bourbon, haven’t tried it in a beverage yet! – @cynnims

My grandma made us bay tea when we had upset stomachs – it’s supposed to help – I don’t know if it actually does. – @YouCanCookThis

I love herb teas, but have never made Bay Leaf Tea. I’ll give this a try. – @TableFare

I like to add bay leaves to my chai sometimes. – @SpiceBites

This Bitter Lemon and Bay Leaf Soda sounds so refreshing! – @MySpiceSage

Mulled Wine season is right around the corner here’s a recipe that uses bay leaves from Jamie Oliver. – @TableFare

The Sweeter Side of Bay

Wait, what?! You can BAKE & make DESSERT with bay? I’m way under-utilizing it! – @PoetInThePantry

The lesson I always learn here is that any spice can go into a dessert! – @onlinepastrychf

I am thinking the same thing – my eyes are being opened! @TableFare you can BAKE with bay? – @tspbasil

Absolutly. I love herbs and spices in desserts! -@TableFare

I will admit, I am not a huge fan of herbs with desserts. Not my thing. But I know lots of people who are crazy for them! – @fourchickens

Bay Leaves are a great match with cream & well suited to custards & rice pudding. – @TableFare

Rice pudding-wow. – @Pinnochia

Love the idea for bay leaves with cream, rice pudding and custards. Could go either savory or sweet.- @SpiceSherpa

Bay leaves are lovely in custards too. .- @bizzylizzycooks

Here’s a gorgeous looking Bay Leaf Creme Brulee from Little Bird Bistro in Portland, OR. – @TableFare

For a pot luck I made Cinnamon Bay Leaf Ice Cream and @cynnims showed up w Vanilla Bay Ice Cream. What are the odds? Great minds.- @TableFare

I can imagine just steeping them in warm dairy and then refrigerating overnight. – @onlinepastrychf

That’s exactly what I do for my ice cream. I use 10 bay leaves for a quart of ice cream and infuse 15 minutes. Then leave one bay leaf in to infuse overnight while it chills. – @TableFare

We put bay leaves in halwas and even milk-based vermicelli desserts. Usually with cinnamon & cardamom. Yum! – @SpiceBites

How do you incorporate bay into halwa – intriguing! – @sabaladas

I’m unfamiliar with halwa. What else goes in it besides the spices? – @SpiceSherpa

Halwa is a sweet made from sesame seeds (halwa = sweet in Arabic).  – @sabaladas

I’ve had that– thought of it as Halvah. Is the spiced ghee mixed with the ground sesame seeds? I’m kind of confused. – @SpiceSherpa

I’m not sure where the ghee comes in – never tried to make halwa myself but perhaps @SpiceBites can shed light? – @sabaladas

You cook the bay leaf, cardamom pods and cinnamon stick in hot ghee before adding the other ingredients. – @SpiceBites

The ghee is the fat you cook the halwa ingredients in. Smells divine when cooking! – @SpiceBites

I love this idea and will have to try it. – @sabaladas. @bizzylizzycooks

Shemai is the sweet vermicelli dessert made with cream and spices (including bay leaf) popular in Bangladesh. – @SpiceBites

I have a recipe for olive oil cookies. I bet bay leaves would be a nice addition.- @SpiceSherpa

I have an olive oil cake recipe – I’ll try bay with it next time.- @tspbasil

Cherry season is over, but this Bay Citrus Syrup would probably make a great poaching liquid for fall fruit. – @MySpiceSage

Here is a mouth watering dessert from @ChefChiarello – Warm Bananas with Brown Sugar & Bay Leaf. – @MySpiceSage

Stewed Figs with bay leaves and fresh vanilla bean, top with Greek yogurt and honey when done. Garnish with Bay leaves. – @myglobalkitchen

Grow your own

There was much envy and intrigue when a few people mentioned they had bay trees in their yard and had fresh bay leaves coming out their ears. I for one am planning to add a bay leaf to my yard next spring. @fourchickens has a little warning for those of us all riled up and excited to plant a bay tree.

Be careful about planting a bay tree. The stick you buy is tiny. The tree grows huge! I planted mine about 15 years ago. It was a 1 ft stick, and is now a 20 foot tree. Eek! – @fourchickens

@cynnims has a great photo of her bay tree and write up on growing and using fresh bay. – @TableFare

That tree started out in a 4-inch pot about 15 years ago. Due for another re-potting. – @cynnims

Your bay is growing so well! – @onlinepastrychf

Ah, good idea on the pot. I planted my in the ground. It is huge. – @fourchickens

Bay leaf grows well in pots. I haven’t managed to kill mine yet & I’ve had it for 3 months. – @PoetInThePantry

White Flower Farm sells bay trees potted and pre-started. Very healthy specimens of good size. – @PoetInThePantry

I want a bay tree! – @spiceysouth

I don’t think a bay tree will grow in the snow do you? Nebraska is so unfriendly to some plants. – @spiceysouth

I’m totally inspired to plant a bay tree. I love to use it, so why not? Thanks for inspiring me. – @LearnToPreserve

Such a good idea. Why have I not planted a bay tree?! – @rosemarried

I wonder if bay trees will grow in Texas? – @Chef_Sharon

I’m not sure of the range. I am in Seattle. They grow really well here. – @fourchickens

Maybe you haven’t been using your bay leaves much, but I bet after reading all these great ways to cook with bay you’ll need to run out and buy more very soon. Of course, My Spice Sage specializes in mail order spices, so you can restock without even having to leave your house! If you need a great spice container to keep your bay leaves in, might I suggest SpiceCare?

A big thank you to everyone who participated in SpiceChat. Your ideas and conversation make it the most fun hour on the web!

Next SpiceChat

SpiceChat is regularly scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month from 4-5 p.m. ET. I hope you will drop in and share a recipe or tip for using Vanilla Beans on October 5th. Here are all the details about SpiceChat.

Past SpiceChats

• Sesame Seeds (August 3, 2011)
• Basil (July 6, 2011)
• Chile Peppers (June 1, 2011)
• Caraway Seeds (May 4, 2011)
• Fennel Seeds (April 6, 2011)
• Coriander (March 2, 2011)
• Cinnamon (February 2, 2011)

Open sesame indeed! This last SpiceChat was bursting with ideas and recipes for cooking with sesame seeds like a mature sesame pod bursting open and spreading seeds far and wide. Read on for inspiring ways to sprinkle, coat, cook and blend these seeds into the food you cook.

About Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds might be the oldest condiment known to man. Originating in Africa and India, usage dates back as far back as 3,000 BC. The small flat oval seeds of the Sesamum indicum plant have a subtle pleasant nutty flavor. The seeds have a high oil content and can go rancid, so unless they will be used within a few weeks it’s a good idea to refrigerate them. Because of their high oil content they were one of the first seeds to be used for an edible oil. Interestingly, compared to many oils sesame oil is fairly resistant to rancidity.

Brown, white, and black sesame seeds

Unhulled sesame seeds are black, brown or red/golden. Once hulled, they are creamy white with a more distinctive aroma, but less crunch due to the lack of the hull. The seeds are rich in calcium, copper & magnesium and contain dietary fiber. Sesame seeds and oil have been associated with many health benefits such as helping to reduce symptoms of high blood pressure, high cholesterol & heart disease. Like peanuts however, some people are allergic to them.

The phrase open sesame,made popular by the movie Arabian Nights, refers to the fact that the seeds burst out of their pods upon maturity. Though ingenious from a species self preservation perspective, it’s rather frustrating and expensive from a farmer’s perspective. Until recently sesame seeds had to be hand harvested because of this, but a new variety of plants has been developed to prevent the exuberant bursting open of the pods, so now an entire field can be harvested at once using the same equipment that is used to harvest other crops like wheat. Here’s an interesting video on the sesame seed industry that’s sprouting up right here in America’s heartland.

SpiceChat Prize Winners

@Callingindead and @KarineVarga were the lucky recipients of a TableFare SpiceCare Starter Kit to keep their spice collection perfectly organized.

@PurpleHouseDirt and @Vagablonde515 won an assortment of My Spice Sage spices including, of course sesame seeds.

SpiceChat prizes!

Flavor and Aroma of Sesame Seeds

SpiceChatters described the seeds as having a nice earthy aroma with a texture that is both creamy and crunchy. A nutty richness is the dominate flavor with hints of sweetness, bitterness, and woodiness. There was overwhelming enthusiasm for the rich nutty flavor that develops once the seeds are toasted.

Black sesame seeds have almost same flavor as white, with a bit more sharpness and more crunch since they still have the hull. They can, however, become a bit bitter when toasted.

Toasting Sesame Seeds

To toast sesame seeds, place in dry skillet over medium low heat and shake the pan or stir the seeds until they take on a light golden color. If you have a large quantity of seeds to toast, it’s easier to do in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

So Many Ways to Use Sesame Seeds

The sesame seed conversation generated a multitude of ideas on incorporating these nutty gems into all sorts of recipes.

Hummus and tahini

This was a crowd favorite right out of the gate with many tweeters chiming in pledging love and affection for hummus and tahini.

I LIVE on hummus, it’s one of my food groups. – @nomnivorous http://j.mp/iCWdtT

There’s nothing much better than tahini dip! – @marocmama

@SimplyImprssve inquired as to whether anyone had made tahini. @nomnivorous’ experience with homemade tahini is that it requires patients to achieve a creamy consistency. From a little Google research it seems there is a consensus that a very powerful Vita Mix type blender is required to achieve the creamy texture of commercial tahini which is made simply from ground sesame seeds. Though many recipes online include added oil to aid in blending.

Here is a link to some interesting recipes with tahini! – @MySpiceSage

Asian cuisine

From sushi, noodle salads, and stir frys to fried sesame balls; Asian cuisine is probably the first thing to come to mind at the mention of sesame seeds.

I use sesame seeds on Asian dishes. – @marocmama

Umaboshi Rice Balls

Sushi is always better with sesame seeds. – @KARINEVARGA

I love toasted sesame seeds in cucumber sushi – just not the same without them! @RJFlamingo

I like to make Asian noodles with cucumber, carrots, onions and lots of sesame seeds. – @SimplyImprssve

Here are 10 great Cold Noodle Salads from The Kitchn. – @TableFare

Pan-Fried Sesame Noodles & Broccoli. – @Judimaeny

Korean Chap Chae! This recipe from @allrecipes is great. – @callingindead

I use them in fried rice. – @Tweettropolis

My go-to stir-fry: Heat peanut oil & sesame oil, then finish with sesame seeds at the end. -@RJFlamingo

Goma-ae, a Japanese side dish of blanched spinach and sesame sauce, is a favorite. – @callingindead

Sesame oil & are seeds tasty on egg rolls & in egg drop soup! @GoodCookDoris

Chicken wings

Sesame Seeds are wonderful on Chicken Wings here’s a great recipe from @bflay for Chipotle-Honey-Glazed Chicken Wings with Toasted Sesame Seeds. -  @MySpiceSage

I love them sprinkled on top of Asian chicken wings. – @SimplyImprssve

I like sesame seeds on baked chicken wings that have been marinated in sesame oil. -@deeCuisine

It surprised me the first time I saw sesame seeds used in Mexican cuisine, but they are, check out this Chicken Mole. - @TableFare

Vegatables

Here is a delicious recipe for a side dish of Sesame Broccoli from @allrecipes.   -@MySpiceSage

Cook fresh green beans al dente & toss w toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds & salt. Delish! - @TableFare

Cucumbers, green onions, snap peas, sesame oil, rice vinegar, heavy duty sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. @nomnivorous

Spinch+mushrooms+ sesame seeds and bacon. - @nuria_sm

I like to add fresh Asparagus when in season and a splash of sesame oil to this Spinach Gomaae recipe. – @callingindead

Toasted Sesame Nori Yogurt Canapes

Stir toasted sesame seeds and ground nori along with a touch of salt into plain yogurt. Serve on cucumber rounds or with veggies to dip. – @TableFare

Kale Chips turned into Kale-Sesame Seasoning. – @DirtandMartinis

Put a few drops of sesame oil in the rice cooking water (long grain, basmati or jasmine). So aromatic & tasty! – @RJFlamingo

Seafood

Sesame crusted seared tuna. Say no more! – @MySpiceSage

Sesame Crusted Fish Sticks look like what fish sticks should be! – @TableFare

Condiments and garnishes

I use sesame seeds mostly as a sprinkle. @SimplyImprssve

Ground sesame seeds make a nice garnish sprinkled over fruit smoothies. – @KARINEVARGA

Shichimi-Togarashi

Furikake is a Japanese condiment that I just love and it’s easy to make at home with sesame seeds, nori, and course sea salt! Yum! – @callingindead

I love black sesame gomasio! A salty, crunchy topping that’s great on rice, salads, anything you want to add a bit of nutty flavor to. – @nomnivorous

The popular Japanese spice blend shichimi togarashi or 7-spice powder has sesame seeds in it. It’s commonly used as a garnish and is great on noodles. – @TableFare

Salads

Sesame Seeds are a favorite when toasted in butter and put on a fresh salad! – @amishhome

Sesame Seeds are a natural for green salads & fruit salads. – @MySpiceSage

I like to mix honey with plain yogurt for a fruit salad dressing, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. So good! – @RJFlamingo

I like Sesame Chicken salad in the summer. – @WildOrchids09

Sesame Vinaigrette is great on a spinach salad.- @MySpiceSage

@raminganeshram mentions using toasted sesame seeds in a mango salad in her novel Stir It Up. Yum! -@SpiceBites

Soup

@PurpleHouseDirt posed the question of the day. “There has to be some culture that uses sesame seeds as a basis for soup, not just a garnish. Ideas?”

Sure enough, there are sesame seed soups out there and they look like they are worth trying. @Judimaeny shared this Greek Sesame Soup recipe made with sesame paste, which is simply toasted white sesame seeds, also known as tahini. A different take on sesame soup is this Korean Chicken Sesame Seed Soup. Then there’s a Chinese Black Sesame Soup (Sesame Tong Shui) that falls into the dessert category and looks very intriguing. It even comes with the rumor that it prevents grey hair!

Spices, Herbs & Flavors That Pair Well with Sesame Seeds

Nutty sesame is a nice complement to oregano and thyme. – @MySpiceSage

Sesame seeds and honey, most definitely. – @nomnivorous

Sesame seeds make a great garnish for butter cookies

Vanilla and sesame are delicious. Add the seeds to basic butter cookies flavored with vanilla. -@TableFare

Warm flavored spices (allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg) all work well with sesame. – @TableFare

Zaatar

I like teriyaki or balsamic vinegar with sesame seeds. – @ WildOrchids09

Sesame seeds are essential in the Middle Eastern spice blend zaatar. - @MySpiceSage

Mix up the popular Japanese condiment goma shio. 2 tsp. each black & white sesame seeds plus 1 tsp. salt. – @TableFare

Mix with nuts like slivered almonds, sunflower seeds and Sesame Seeds. – @amishhome

Spark up the mild flavor of sesame with your favorite chile! – @MySpiceSage

Sesame seeds are a great garnish for any meat seasoned with Asian flavors. – @TableFare

Ginger, garlic and hot pepper are great with sesame in Asian dishes. – @KyraTX

Sesame seeds are a natural with garlic, soy sauce, lemon & ginger – great with Asian cuisine. – @TableFare

Coriander, fennel, & poppy seeds go well w sesame as beautiful garnish on breads crackers & rolls. – @TableFare

Delectable Baked Goods & Desserts Featuring Sesame Seeds

Breads, bagels & granola

I like sesame seeds on bagels and on buns. – @WildOrchids09

I love them on top of bread. – @Tweettropolis

I sprinkle them on my challah and other breads after eggwash & before baking. They get toasty & give the crust extra crunch. – @RJFlamingo

My favorite topping for Challa Bread is sesame. This recipe is from @finecooking. –  @TableFare

Bread isn’t ready without sesame seeds. – @SimplyImprssve

I love baked lemon muffins with sesame seeds on top. - @mom4everandever

Has anyone had luck baking their own Sesame Crackers at home? These are gluten free. – @callingindead

Blueberry Ginger Granola with sesame seeds

I make my own granola and love putting sesame seeds into the mix. – @CreativCulinary

I add sesame seeds to my Blueberry Ginger Granola. – @TableFare

One day I will make granola bars with Sesame seeds. – @KARINEVARGA

Cookies

I have powdered black sesame seeds and will use it to make French macarons. – @thedailypalette

Black sesame seeds make Lace Cookies visually stunning. – @MySpiceSage

Chbakiya are hands down the best cookies, if you have the time and patience. – @marocmama

These Sesame Fruit & Nut Bars are packed with flavor & protein! – @ MySpiceSage

Benne Sesame Wafers

Benne Wafers are my mom’s favorite cookie to make. So pretty! Here’s a recipe from @SimplyRecipes  @ TableFare

Candy

I seriously could snack on sesame seed brittle forever! @nella22

Has anyone made Vietnamese Sesame Candy (Keo Me Xung )? It looks as simple as caramel. – @PurpleHouseDirt

I’d love to learn jto make Vietnamese sesame candy and something like Joyva’s sesame candy. So addictive! – @RJFlamingo

Honey Sesame Candy

Honey sesame candies were a favorite as a kid. We’d get them as a treat when shopping at the produce stand. – @TableFare

I grew up gnawing on those chewy sesame rectangles in clear wrappers! – @nomnivorous

Yes! OMG – I love to just let them dissolve in my mouth. The toasty sesame & sweet together. – @RJFlamingo

I grew up eating the hard sesame candy too! – @KARINEVARGA

Global Delights

I’ve been wanting to make Chee Ma Jian Duy, fried sesame balls filled with ground black sesame pudding. – @PurpleHouseDirt

Sesame balls filled with black sesame paste at Din Tai Fung restaurant.

I’ve never had the black sesame filling. What’s it like? – @RJFlamingo

It tastes like halva puree. So good! – @TableFare

I have a Jian Duy recipe on my blog, but I haven’t tried filling it yet. – @PurpleHouseDirt

These Chocolate-Filled Sesame Balls looks so good! – @TableFare

There is a Moroccan dish famous during Ramadan called Sellou that uses lots of sesame seeds This recipe is from @moroccan_food. - @marocmama

It’s a very unique flavor – Moroccans eat it after fasting. – @marocmama

It has good calories and nutrients for a boost after fasting all day – moms are given it after childbirth too. – @ marocmama

The best halvah I ever had was a Pistachio halvah in Monterey, California on the wharf made by two Middle Eastern gentlemen. – @Judimaeny

A long time ago, I had a Turkish baklava. I’d swear it had sesame seeds on the pastry. I could be wrong, but it stuck in my brain. – @ Judimaeny

Éclairs topped with caramel and black sesame are my favorite. - @ nuria_sm

I love the sound of this, Fig & Sesame Tart with Cardamom Orange Cream! – @TableFare

Frozen treats

Toasted Sesame Honey Ice Cream

Toasted Sesame Seed Honey Ice Cream is my new favorite flavor to make!. It’s so creamy & good! – @TableFare

Black Sesame Ice Cream anyone? – @callingindead

Faith’s Honey Ice cream with Fig Sesame Jam Swirls sounds pretty amazing. – @TableFare

I wonder how toasted sesame seeds would taste on key lime gelato? It sounds good. – @ mom4everandever

Next SpiceChat

SpiceChat is regularly scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month, but this next one has been bumped out a week and will be on September 14th. Differnt week, but same time, 4-5 p.m. ET. I hope you will drop in and share a recipe or tip for using bay leaves. Here are all the details about SpiceChat.

Past SpiceChats

Chile SpiceChat Recap

Caraway Seed SpiceChat Recap

Fennel Seed SpiceChat Recap

Coriander SpiceChat Recap

Cinnamon SpiceChat Recap

Basil might be the most popular and beloved herb. This SpiceChat certainly lends credence to my theory. Everyone chimed in with love for basil along with great ways to put it to use in everything from pasta, to body scrubs and décor, with a lot of drinks and desserts in there along the way too.

Fresh basil makes a beautiful center piece.

Here are a couple of great tweets that started off the hour.

• He who controls the spice, controls the universe!  – @lordbeazley
• I just went and got some Basil from my garden for inspiration.   -@ancientfirewine

The stylish @nella22 shared a great way to always have a little basil with us wherever we go. Check out this Wearable Planter!  Or try @withabowlofrice’s suggestion to hang fresh basil in front of a fan to perfume an entire room with the sweet aroma of basil.  Another non-culinary application came from @healthyolga, “I infuse shea butter with basil to make a home-made lotion that smells subtle & sexy. I swear you won’t smell like pasta! “

SpiceChat Prize Winners

Congratulations to the four lucky chatters randomly chosen as the winners of a SpiceCare Starter Kit from TableFare or a selection of lovely spices from MySpiceSage. We give away two of each during each chat. Hopefully you will be one of our winners next month!

@Ktleen2 , @thedailybasics , @Kitchycooker ,  @bronacos. Enjoy your prize!

SpiceChat Prizes!

Basil Tips & Facts 

• Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is a member of the mint family, accounting for the hint of mint accompanying its sweetness.
• Growing climate influences flavor spices & herbs. Basil grown in hot climate will taste peppery. Cool climate basil is sweeter.
• Basil was first cultivated in Asia, India & Africa but now grows throughout the world in warm climates.
• There may be as many as 50 to 150 types of Basil, but not all are for culinary use.
• Fresh basil turns brown when exposed to heat or acid. Add it just before serving to preserve the bright color.
• To release the most flavor from dried basil, crush or crumble the leaves before adding them to a dish.
• 1 ounce of fresh basil has more than twice the daily requirement of vitamin A, a good amount of calcium and vitamin C, a ton of flavor and practically no calories. - @Judimaeny
•  The early Romans made basil a symbol of love and fertility. – @Allrecipes
• I use basil in the kitchen to ward off flies – @housewifebliss
• Basil is closely associated with Italian cuisine.
  •  Especially that of Liguria ie Italian Riveria home of pesto! – @ bronacos
  • And Southeast Asian, too! =)  – @thedailypalett
• Como se dice Basil in Spanish? It’s called Albahaca!   - @nella22
  • Good to know! Love me some Albahacal!  – @TheSpicyRD
• To read more about basil check out TableFare’s Spice Library

Our Conversation About Basil

What aroma & flavor do you associate with basil?

Sweet  - @Allrecipes, @mom4everandever

Sweet and savory – @tmt121172

It’s sweet and slightly peppery. I love its versatility- it walks the line between sweet/savory, Italian/southeast Asian   - @FC_Evan

Basil reminds me of Italian food but I use it for lots of things – @Ktleen2

Spicy and exotic! I wish I could make it into perfume! – @MonicaRicci

Sweet with complex perfumes like a candle shop – @ancientfirewine

A Fragrant herb with a mild, sweet & pleasant flavor. – @MySpiceSage

Fresh, it makes my taste buds go “wow!” It’s my favorite fresh herb. – @diamondslady812

Basil to me has sometimes an anise flavor. – @KathyCaseyChef

I agree! – @FC_Lisa

Sweet with a touch of licorice. – @tspbasil

I totally agree with the licorice detail! Less than tarragon, more subtle.  – @FC_Evan

Eugenol gives basil the clove-like warm sweet aroma & estragole lends hints of tarragon and anise.- @TableFare

Basil reminds me of a soft pungent flavor. LOL  - @WildOrchids09

I can open my back door and I smell it. Some days it smells so good to me. – @diamondslady812

I love to walk by basil plants, rub up against them and smell the scent – @sunnee63

Peppery and vibrant. Not sure “green” is an aroma.   - @KyraTX

Green is a good descriptor.   - @TableFare

I equate the scent of basil with summer. – @sunnee63

Basil aroma screams SUMMER to me. The bouquet is different depending on the variety. – @thedailypalette

I’m always amazed by cinnamon basil! So cool!   - @MonicaRicci

I love Thai Basils; they’ve a spicier aroma than the sweet basil.   - @SpiceBites

Not to mention they can be slightly purple   – @FC_Evan

Here’s a good link of basil flavor profiles – @thedailypalette

Plus lots of info on growing basil and even some recipes. – @TableFare

I once had basil apricot bath oil. It was amazing. – @KyraTX

I’d want to eat it. – @TableFare

I loved to just sniff the bottle. – @KyraTX

Fresh basil

Fresh basil is so perishable, what are your tricks for storing & preserving it?

I keep it in the refrigerator.   - @tmt121172

We wash it and wrap it in paper towel and keep some in fridge too! – @Ktleen2

When storing in the fridge I put it in ice cold water. It keeps it perky. – @diamondslady812

I keep fresh basil in my cool pantry rather than the fridge. It seems to work better.  -@TableFare

Freeze the leaves.  – @Allrecipes

We dry some by hanging it and freeze the rest!   - @Ktleen2

Dry it and freeze it or just eat a lot of it fresh!   - @ancientfirewine

I have two ways; dehydrator and hanging upside down w/ fishing line to air dry – @diamondslady812

When I have too much basil, I preserve it as Basil Oil.  – @FC_Lisa

It’s the most gorgeous color! @TableFare

Excellent idea! – @MySpiceSage

As for dealing with excess basil, i’d rather freeze in pesto ice cubes than dry it.   - @nomnivorous

I wonder if you could infuse salt with basil (fresh or dried) and use it to sprinkle on soft cheeses? – @nella22

I wonder if you burry a bunch of fresh basil in sea salt if it would absorb flavor the way sugar does with vanilla beans?   - @MonicaRicci

I’d say yes! – @tspbasil

Salt or sugar is possible!  – @nomnivorous

I make a basil sea salt body scrub, I’m sure it would work for soft cheese.   - @lizdehart

Clever freezing techniques

I like to blenderize it with water and freeze into ice cubes. Then just drop them into soups and such.   - @SpiceBites

Or freeze pesto cubes in a mini muffin tin. – @ancientfirewine

Need to do this. – @tspbasil

Basil ice cubes = summer.   - @withabowlofrice

Oh, love the frozen basil cube idea!   - @finecooking

Oof! Will try these for sure. My mouth just watered a little! @valentinavitols

I know people who do the same with chicken broth (blend basil then freeze with chicken broth in ice cubes)    - @WildOrchids09

Ooh, broth instead of water would be even better, more flavor!   - @SpiceBites

Pop the frozen basil cubes out & vacuum seal them to prevent freezer burn.  – @MonicaRicci

I MUST try.  Thanks . – @finecooking

I wonder if I could vacuum seal fresh basil with my Foodsaver, or would it turn black in the freezer?   - @MonicaRicci

I found Dorot brand makes teeny little frozen basil cubes which are SO handy! They make cilantro & garlic cubes too.   - @MonicaRicci

You can make your own but these come in little “grid” trays & they are SO dang handy! (Sold at Trader Joe’s).  - @MonicaRicci

It is best to store dried basil Leaves or ground basil in a cool, dry, dark place in an airtight container.   - @MySpiceSage

I use a small airtight container for storing basil    - @WildOrchids09

I have a great suggestion for storage containers :) – @TableFare

Basil in the garden

How about growing your own basil?

Trader Joes always has the best basil plants for cheap- cheaper than buying in a bunch! Has anyone grown the opal basil before? – @KathyCaseyChef

I have grown opal basil   - @janis_tester

Opal basil is so tasty but I have a hard time growing it in the NW — too much rain this year.   - @KathyCaseyChef

I grew opal basil when I lived in California.   - @janis_tester

Thai basil is amazing. I have so much growing. It re-seeded, big time this year.  -@KyraTX

I actually have to thin them out or they take over the garden Love micro basils in salads & tomato pie.   – @SpiceBites

It’s hard to keep up with them. They bolt so quickly. The bees love the flowers though, so I don’t mind.   – @KyraTX

Basil grows great in hot West TX!   - @SpiceBites

Fortunately for me, I can grow basil year-round =) – @thedailypalette

So lucky! The heat in TX is killing my garden, but the basil is putting up a fight!   - @SpiceBites

JEALOUS! I Wish I could grow basil all year. It never seems to do well over wintering indoors either.   - @MonicaRicci

What are your favorite ways to use fresh basil with summer crops?   (BI) 

Corn on the cob, pasta salad, and with watermelon and fresh berries   - @tmt121172

I love mixing basil and shiso.   - @janis_tester

Soups…

Garden Vegetable soup is good w/ basil    - @WildOrchids09

Basil Vegetable Soup utilizing fresh basil for great flavor. – @Judimaeny

I love stirring basil pesto into tomato soup or butternut squash soups Just before eating!   - @SpiceBites

I never thought of basil in butternut squash soup. Probably because I always make mine curried.   - @KyraTX

Curried butternut squash soup is yum. Cilantro might be a better fit.  – @SpiceBites

Sandwiches…

Veggie burgers with goat cheese, tomato and basil   - @ancientfirewine

I love using fresh basil tucked in paninis or grilled cheeses. So good!   - @nella22

Great idea!  – @MySpiceSage

Mmmm you are making me hungry! Basil and cheese is a great combo!  – @MonicaRicciI

Fresh tomato sandwiches with basil aioli on gluten-free bread. NOM!   - @lizdehart

Basil aioli? Nom is right!   - @nomnivorous

Basil, garlic and olive oil mayo   - @lizdehart

Yes, please! – @Kitchycooker

Slipping in some slivers of basil is my favorite way to make a sandwich special- so easy and so yum!  - @plantflowers

Grilled pizza with basil a couple different ways! – @ancientfirewine

Fresh Basil with Goat Cheese Strata on Tomatoes, Figs and Bread! – @thedailypalette

Wow, love figs.  – @TableFare

HEAVEN!  – @healthyolga

Where’s the recipe for this mouth-watering strata?    - @SpiceBites

Inspired by this recipe. - @thedailypalette

Basil & tomatoes… classic

Definitely with tomatoes and I put it in mixed salads all the time.  - @thedailybasics

Love fresh basil in gazpacho (with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, etc.) Refreshing in the warm weather!   - @healthyolga

Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Mozz & Basil by KARINEVARGA.com

Recently made Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Mozz & Basil for a catering event.   - @KARINEVARGA

I grow my own tomatoes along with basil so I freeze spaghetti sauce that I make in the summer for winter use. – @diamondslady812

When I have too much basil, it goes with the oven-roasted marinara sauce.   - @thedailypalette

Julia Child’s Bruschetta!  - @amishhome

So true – a good bruchetta!  – @thedailybasics

Caprese Tart by The Runaway Spoon blog

Caprese Tart full of basil is impressive on the table. – @therunawayspoon

Gorgeous. – @tspbasil

You’re giving me all kinds of great ideas, sister!  The Runaway Spoon blog will be one I visit now! )   - @MonicaRicci

Thanks y’all! – @TheRunawaySpoon

Pasta & pesto…of course

When my basil is growing like crazy, I make Pasta Butter Balls to keep the flavor all winter.   - @TheRunawaySpoon

Pasta Butter Balls<3   - @finecooking

Love it!  – @MySpiceSage

Genius indeed!  – @ancientfirewine

oooh Basil Butter Balls – do they freeze well?  – @bronacos

Basil butter is great on just about anything! – @Judimaeny

I like to put it into my homemade pasta dishes. It adds such a pop of freshness!   - @MonicaRicci

Sounds yummy.   - @tmt121172

Chicken Macaroni Salad with a summery twist of fresh tomatoes and basil. – @Judimaeny

When I don’t have the energy to make pesto, I make this Deconstructed Pesto Pasta. – @FC_Lisa

I love this idea. It sounds better to me than an actual pesto pasta salad. – @TableFare

Or what about Pasta with Goat Cheese and Basil Oil from @RealSimple? – @amishhome

Love gemelli! And yes goat cheese & basil = yum! I think my husband will benefit from this chat tonight!   - @MonicaRicci

Omgosh – that looks amazing!  – @thedailybasics

I am dying to try it! – @amishhome

Definitely making Pesto chicken and penne tonight! – @thedailybasics

Basil is the main ingredient in Pesto, an all time favorite, originating from Genoa, Italy.    - @MySpiceSage

Add to olive oil:  basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese of your choice,  and mix into a divine paste.  - @MySpiceSage

Another great Pesto recipe from Ina Garten.  - @MySpiceSage

Celebrating Basil with Pesto. –  @ancientfirewine

Or make pesto with basil and use walnuts instead of pignoli nuts! – @thedailybasics

The Pesto idea with walnuts sounds wonderful too! – @amishhome

Here’s a batch of basil I picked last summer to make pesto.  – @KyraTX

The good thing about pesto is you can freeze it in an ice cube tray and using when needed. – @thedailybasics

Seafood…

Swordfish with Pesto is easy and delicious! – @EatAquaStar

Sounds yummy .- @diamondslady812

I love basil. Try orange, serrano, basil combo for grilled fish.  - @TheHomeChef

Quick, tasty & delish: Clams with Basil Broth. - @finecooking

I have to dig for clams! – @thedailypalette

Yum, especially if you add some Thai red curry. – @SpiceBites

Salads…fruit to caprese

I made a watermelon, feta and minced basil salad for a weekend party that was a HUGE hit! – @MonicaRicci

It’s simply watermelon, crumbled feta & chiffonade of basil, layered 3 times in a bowl. – @MonicaRicci

Sounds wonderful! – @sunnee63

Watermelon and Feta Brochettes with Basil

Watermelon & Feta Brochettes with Fresh Basil makes a nice summer party hors d’ oeuvre. – @TableFare

I love basil with watermelon and home-made mozzarella (when my mozzarella comes out right, that is!)    - @healthyolga

I also pair basil with other fruit like grilled peaches.  - @MonicaRicci

Love it in fruit salads.  - @tmt121172

Me too! So refreshing – @SpiceBites

I just had a strawberry basil salad at Cavallo Point Lodge. It was delectable.  - @AmidPrivilege

Thai Basil is so delicious in glass noodle salads and fresh rolls. Anyone doing anything different with it?   - @KathyCaseyChef

Kaffir lime and Thai basil ice cream.  – @janis_tester

Wow, now that sounds amazing – love those flavors together. – @KathyCaseyChef

I made Thai Spring Rolls and used a lot of fresh basil in them. They were delish! – @MonicaRicci

We always have Thai basil whenever we’re having pho.  – @withabowlofrice

Love Thai basil in fresh summer veggie salads with Asian flavors like lime juice & fish sauce.   - @SpiceBites

Totally.  Lime brings out such great flavors and harmonizes well! – @thedailybasics

This summer salad is for you, then – @FC_Evan

Thank you! Looks good.- @SpiceBites

I use fresh basil in my salads – @diamondslady812

Killer in salads!  – @ancientfirewine

Fresh basil in salad dressing.   - @mom4everandever

I like fresh basil in my heirloom Greek Salad. Adds a great flavor.   - @Kitchycooker

Potato salad with a light garlic vinaigrette, lots of fresh basil, feta cheese and calamata olives is d’lish.    - @KathyCaseyChef

This Sourdough Panzanella is a great substantial main dish salad, starring basil .- @FC_Evan

I like the grilled chicken addition idea. – @TableFare

Can’t forget Caprese Salads! – @ancientfirewine

I make them all summer long. – @tspbasil

Great with heirlooms. – @Kitchycooker

Caprese Salad is a favorite. Also chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil, basil, cilantro, and parm all mixed together.   - @Allrecipes

Yummy. – @tmt121172

Caprese is a favorite! – @Allrecipes

Caprese Bruschette

Caprese Bruschette makes fresh tomatoes, fresh motz & fresh basil easy finger food for a summer party! – @TableFare

There’s always this updated Insalata Caprese. -@FC_Evan

Nice twist. Want to try making  burrata .- @TableFare

Basil isn’t just for eating, it’s for drinking too. How do you shake, stir, & pour basil?

Basil in cocktails is so refreshing, especially paired with mint or cucumber!   - @MonicaRicci

I love fresh basil in a mojito made with fresh muddled cherries, basil and mint! – @KathyCaseyChef

Muddle 5 cherries, 1 big sprig of basil and two sprigs of mint. Add 1 1/2 oz. rum, 3/4 oz. lime and 3/4 oz. simple syrup. Ice and shake. Add a splash of soda water.    - @KathyCaseyChef

Sounds like a fantastic combo!    - @TableFare

Sounds divine!  - @tspbasil

Doesn’t strawberry & basil sound like a nice twist on a mojito? – @MySpiceSage

Yes, it does! @tmt121172,  @ancientfirewine, @Kitchycooker, @thedailybasics, @FoodGalaxy

Off to the garden! – @thedailypalette

Strawberry/Basil Mojito sounds great. The other night we drank these Blueberry Lavender Mojitos. – @queenofcashmere

I also had a basil take on mojitos. Basil, lime juice, rum, sugar, soda. It’s delish.   - @nomnivorous

Basil lemonade! Basil watermelon-ade! Basil muddled with Hendrick’s gin and citrus seltzer! Drink your basil!   - @nomnivorous

Basil Lemonade.  – @ancientfirewine

Yum! – @SpiceBites

A favorite!  – @MySpiceSage

Love basil lemonade!  - @KathyCaseyChef

Thai basil lemonade and mojitos are both brilliant.   - @JoieWrites

Basil Aleppo Pepper Lemonade

Basil Aleppo Pepper Lemonade is an inspiration from the chile SpiceChat and this basil SpiceChat. -@TableFare

Pressed Watermelon with Basil Water is outstanding, from a great book, Cool Waters. – @TableFare

Hand-Infused Basil Vodka – Good way to preserve flavor!   - @ancientfirewine

Yes, basil in vodka is good. For Bloody Mary vodka I like to add garlic, and sun dried tomatoes as well as basil.   - @KathyCaseyChef

Hoping in when I hear basil and vodka – that sounds refreshing!    - @thedailybasics

Perfect summer drink! – @Allrecipes

Yum! – @finecooking

Basil Vodka Ggimlet! I made a martini as well, but too vegetal   - @ancientfirewine

I am still stuck on your Basil Vodka Gimlet. – @thedailybasics

It was a bigger hit than I ever imagined.  – @ancientfirewine

Basil Gin Gimlet from @crepesofwrath.  - @FC_Evan

Very nice! – @ancientfirewine

Ohh, pretty! Basil Gimlet.  - @nella22

Gin, lime, basil leaves, and fresh cherries with a splash of soda! Add in Prosecco, and of course basil. – @ChocoMeat

Cherries? basil? gin? holy moly, you are SPEAKING my language.   - @nomnivorous

I enjoy basil in a glass of Beija cachaca on ice.   - @RichardPF

Now that sounds interesting!  - @ancientfirewine

Basil with cachaca would be awesome. Just happen to have both.   - @janis_tester

Strawberry Shag from my book Sips & Apps: Classic and Contemporary Recipes for Coctktails and Appetizers: basil, strawberries, vodka, lemonade – summertime refreshing!   - @KathyCaseyChef

Yes please! – @tspbasil

This is my favorite drink in the book!  – @tinyfrancer

Basil simple syrup: use in adult cocktails, nonalcoholic fruit-ades, spooned onto fresh fruit, etc. – @nomnivorous

Basil in water – @tmt121172

I Love basil infused water. Also nice w a little cucumber added. – @TableFare

Fresh basil muddled, add seltzer water & enjoy

Lemon and basil in ice water is pretty and yummy… lime too…good in vodka too.  – @mom4everandever

Anything’s good in vodka!   - @Kitchycooker

I have a friend that just infused lime basil in vodka – thinking about trying that   - @savoryexposure

My friend made lovely Lemon Basil Martinis last week.  - @kimgraziano

Basil in any clear cocktail freshens it up! Rum, gin or vodka, take your pick, especially with a sugar rim!   - @MonicaRicci

Add basilL to this drink! Mango Madness:  Rum Mango Freeze ~ I just did and it works! – @thedailypalette

I have all that stuff! – @ancientfirewine

 I just did and it works! – @thedailybasics

Oh dear, stuff some fresh basil in vodka or gin and make Basil Tonics!   - @nella22

Bitters, maybe? Loving the chat today – it’s given me all sorts of ideas about basil. – @PurpleHouseDirt

I use basil in my Bloody Mary’s – @diamondslady812

Flirt Club Ccocktail has tequila, lime & basil, http://bit.ly/lPrqsm   - @MySpiceSage

I do a peach basil sangria that is a big hit at summer parties, with some blueberries & strawberries to garnish, pretty!   - @poodle_power

I make strawberry wine. Any ideas for a basil twist?   - @ancientfirewine

Maybe a little basil & black pepper infusion. -@TableFare

My thoughts exactly! – @PurpleHouseDirt

Gonna have to play! – @ancientfirewine

@ancientfirewine got right to work experimenting and sent me a link to share his newest creations. Mango Basil Splash and a Savory Strawberry Cocktail featuring his strawberry wine with basil vodka and black pepper vodka!

I need to host a happy hour to try out all these drinks. – @tspbasil

Have you ever added basil seeds to a drink? Check out this Thai drink, Nam Manglak, fascinating.  -@TableFare

Now that you mention it – I did have a mango -rum drink with frozen basil seeds the other day – very yummy. – @thedailybasics

I want!!! – @nella22

Oooo… – @ChocoMeat

Falooda is and Indian drink/dessert that uses basil seeds. – @TableFare

Basil is a star in savory cuisine, but how do you use it in sweets?

Peaches Poached with Basil by The Runaway Spoon blog

My favorite summer dessert – Peaches Poached with Basil. – @TheRunawaySpoon

OOOOH poached! I usually grill them but I’m saving your link! The picture is gorgeous too!   - @MonicaRicci

One of our favorite basil combos: Balsamic Macerated Strawberries with Basil. – @finecooking

Yum! – @SpiceBites

Strawberry & basil are a wonderful combination.   - @lolamichele

I saw someone talking about basil with vanilla ice-cream   - @sunnee63

Yes! Basil ice cream with vanilla & sweetened with honey is 1 of my favorites. – @healthyolga

I’ve made basil ice cream. It’s spectacular! – @TableFare

Just basil ice cream?  Nothing else?  What about basil corn? – @BlogWellDone

Yum – love corn ice cream -basil added=yum. – @KathyCaseyChef

Recipe for your basil ice cream, please! I think I need to try it this summer.  –@Allrecipes

For basil ice cream, just infuse a big handful of fresh basil in the cream of your favorite base recipe for about 10 minutes. Strain, & continue as your original recipe instructs.  – @TableFare

Another ice cream variation-Five Herb Ice Milk is outstanding and can be made with any combination of fresh herbs. – @TableFare

Gonna make some lime/basil ice cream this weekend@!   - @ancientfirewine

Basil ice cream reminds me of a basil crème brûlée I had once. OMG it was amazing! The sweet/savory combo rules!  - @MonicaRicci

I’ve  used basil in crème brûlée.  - @janis_tester

My husband loves making basil crème brûlée  with fresh Basil! – @KARINEVARGA

Basil in panna cotta with balsamic marinated strawberries – it’s a nice, subtle flavor.  – @FC_Evan

Ooooh a basil panna cotta would be heavenly I bet! Dang, y’all are making me hungry!  - @MonicaRicci

Better than balsamic, have you ever tried Saba?  Drizzle over panna cotta and swoon.   - @queenofcashmere

I LOVE it. so sweet! – @FC_Evan

I love saba! Have you tried it over vegetables?   - @Kitchycooker

This recipe for Grilled Tomatoes with Saba and Sea Salt converted me. – @FC_Evan

I haven’t tried Saba on veggies yet but it’s now tops on my list.  – @queenofcashmere

In the autumn, I make panna cotta topped with rosemary/black pepper poached pears and drizzle with saba. Must try on tomatoes!   - @queenofcashmere

If you’re looking for Saba, House of Balsamic sells it.  – @Kitchycooker

Mango Basil Lime Sorbet by Baker Street blog

My friend @bakerstreet29 made this Mango Basil and Lime Sorbet. – @thedailypalette

Wow, love mango-basil-lime sorbet!   - @SpiceBites

I bet a mango-basil or a peach-basil sorbet would ROCK the house!   - @MonicaRicci

Who needs to buy a snow cone when you can make Granny Smith Ginger Basil Granita? – @MySpiceSage

Lemon Honey Creme Cupcakes with Basil Frosting by Kitchy Cooking blog

Lemon and basil scream summer to me, so I created these Lemon Honey Cupcakes with Basil Buttercream Frosting. – @Kitchycooker

I’ve made lemon basil frosting for cupcakes that was nice. My doddlers loved it! – @helathyolga

Those cupcakes look incredible!    - @FC_Denise

Thanks!   - @Kitchycooker

I recently had the opportunity to try some homemade strawberry basil lollipops. – @lolamichele

A fresh basil sprig garnish next to a pear tart ( at a restaurant!) – @thedailybasics

Lemon-Lime Basil Shortbread Cookies are in the current issue of Bon Appétit Mag. How timely! – @MySpiceSage

Love basil in desserts, lemon-basil sorbet, basil-white chocolate gelato, basil whipped cream over peaches or berries .  – @poodle_power

I’ll have to try that basil whipped cream over peaches or berries.  – @nuria_sm

Wow – AMAZING! I want to try it! – @healthyolga

Me too. Sounds delish! – @Kitchycooker

Did someone say BASIL WHIPPED CREAM? Lord have mercy, that sounds good for putting on fruit!   - @MonicaRicci

I made basil infused whipped cream to fill cream puffs and it was fantastic. Basil, cream, & sugar go together so well.   - @TableFare

Basil whipped cream is one of my favorites and pretty too =)   - @poodle_power

Trying this! – @tspbasil

How would you make basil whipped cream? Just add the dried basil to the cream or steep it in hot water first?   - @Kitchycooker

My guess is to steep fresh basil in heavy cream for a few days then pull it out and whip the cream like usual. (?)   - @MonicaRicci

I infused fresh basil in heated cream for about 15 min. Then  strain, chill & whip. – @TableFare

I wouldn’t even heat the cream, just steep it overnight in fridge! Did it with mint, worked wonders!   - @nella22

Use fresh, finely chopped, whip in at end- cream will have green flecks   - @bronacos

 I usually just add chiffonade of basil near the end when I add sugar when it’s near soft peak stage   - @poodle_power

I have also tried using basil simple syrup left over from cocktails, which made it too soft   - @poodle_power

Love my strawberry and basil dessert:-) – @CafeTerraBlog

I could snack on Basil Strawberry Fruit Leather ALL DAY!  - @nella22

Wild Blackberry Basil Pie with Crystallized Ginger Almond Crumb

I got an honorable mention at the state fair last summer with my Wild Blackberry Basil Pie. – @TableFare

 Basil watermelon (with or without vodka) popsicles. – @TwitTastings

Indeed! I’ve had basil lemonade and watermelon lemonade. Watermelon and basil makes great sense!   - @lizdehart

How does dried basil fit into your culinary repertoire? When do you choose dried over fresh & why? 

I find dried basil doesn’t have the same flavor (or inspire the love) that fresh or frozen has.   - @MonicaRicci

It is milder! – @MySpiceSage

I agree that dried basil is pretty mild. Fresh is the best.   - @KathyCaseyChef

Not a fan of dried basil, just don’t find it as potent.   - @SpiceBites

I never use dried basil. I just don’t care for the flavor. I use fresh or frozen.   - @MonicaRicci

 I generally use fresh- feel like the dried is stale tasting- is that the right term   - @mom4everandever

If dried basil is fresh and stored in an airtight container, it shouldn’t have an off or stale flavor. Maybe it was old? -@TableFare

I go back and forth. Mainly dried basil when I’m cooking and fresh as a garnish, but for tomato sauce I ALWAYS use fresh.   - @Kitchycooker

While fresh Basil is most people’s preference, it’s handy to have a small amount of dried basil leaves on hand!   - @MySpiceSage

I use fresh for all my dishes.   - @tmt121172

In dead of winter I’ll use dried, but most of the time it must be fresh for me to use. – @diamondslady812

I never choose dried over fresh. I Use dried only when fresh is too pricey or can’t get to store.   - @FC_Lisa

Grow it, that way you’ll always have fresh basil. I just bought a little pot, it’s been a lifesaver.   - @Kitchycooker

Basil is easier to keep fresh growing in a pot rather than in the fridge.   - @TableFare

Have you tried fresh chopped basil in a tube? Better alternative to dried.   - @lizdehart

I agree, it’s much better than dried.  Still packs that fresh basil punch!   - @FC_Denise

I like to start dishes with dried basil sautéed in oil, it makes kitchen smell wonderful! I use fresh basil for salads, garnishes and finishing dishes.   - @nella22

I used dried, but typically my own from the the last season. I dry it and then freeze it in ziploc. Definitely muted though.   - @ancientfirewine

I have never dried what I grow.  – @thedailypalette

Ooo you should! it would be fresher than anything store-bought.  – @FC_Evan

I have a big problem drying my own basil- it tends to taste like cardboard.  I don’t use it dried. – @thedailybasics

I usually just buy dried basil. – @TableFare

Low, slow cooked tomato sauces get dried herbs. Sometimes baked eggs will get a bit too.   - @nomnivorous

Good point. – @FC_Lisa

Most of the time, my slow-simmered tomato sauce can take fresh basil, I just don’t add it right away. dried can work!   - @FC_Evan

Anytime I’m making something that cooks for a long time, like soups, stews & casseroles, I go with dried basil.   - @TableFare

Occasionally use dried basil in homemade tomato sauce or w/ dried oregano as pizza topping.  – @tspbasil

I use fresh- have a plant I grab it fresh.   - @mom4everandever

I love fresh & I freeze my basil for winter. Will use dried if I know it’s not old; I check for no bitter taste.    - @healthyolga

Yes, dried basil does still need to be fresh. Buy from a good source! (ahem, @MySpiceSage!)  – @TableFare

I used dry basil when baking or cooking & fresh basil as a garnish   - @WildOrchids09

Ratatouille Gratin

I like dried herbs in recipes like my Ratatouille Gratin. They hold up better during the baking. – @TableFare

Good idea!  – @healthyolga

Only used dried when cooking up tomato sauces and such; mash, smash or rub first to entice as much flavor as possible!   - @bronacos

I sautéed dried basil with shallots and garlic when making Indonesian oxtail soup. Not traditional, but worth it   - @withabowlofrice

Any tips on knowing if dried basil is too old? Should it just not break apart easily?   - @sunnee63

It should have a nice distinct basil aroma and deep green color. – @TableFare

I don’t use basil dried, would rather just leave it out if I don’t have it fresh, but I freeze it, so usually have on hand   - @poodle_power

I tend to agree with you – @thedailybasics

In college, I used A LOT of dried basil during winter when NYC fresh basil was a) expensive and b) not pretty-worked like a charm   - @FC_Evan

Next SpiceChat

Join us for a lively and inspiring chat about sesame seeds on Wednesday August 3^rd, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET.

Past SpiceChats

Chile SpiceChat Recap

Caraway Seed SpiceChat Recap

Fennel Seed SpiceChat Recap

Coriander SpiceChat Recap

Cinnamon SpiceChat Recap

The chile SpiceChat was one spicy hour! We started out with the gentle peppers like paprika and as the hour continued progressed up the Scoville Heat Unit Scale right to the top ending with the surprisingly popular ghost chile. Read on for all the great conversation about how people cook with chiles and please chime in with your own ideas, recipes and suggestions in the comments.

Nineteen different chiles are in my spice collection at the moment.

The best advice of the hour came from @RJFlamingo

If you’ve forgotten to label your different ground peppers, don’t sniff them to tell the difference. #dontaskhowIknow

Dried Chile Tips & Facts

The heat of Chiles is measured by Scoville Heat Units, a scale created by chemist Wilbur Scoville in 1912.

Dried chile peppers are available whole and ground. Sometimes it is easier & more practical to use the powder! – @MySpiceSage

Whole dried chiles are great for adding flavor, and easily removed during cooking to limit the amount of heat. – @TableFare

Capsaicin is not very water soluble. Alcohol & fat are more effective at extracting the heat and flavor from chiles. – @TableFare

Really alcohol?? Never knew that – @Unkatchable73

Gotta love chile vodka! Great in a Bloody Mary. – @YouCanCookThis

Wow, in vodka, really? hmmm … – @TheRecipeBox

Here’s a recipe for Chile Vodka from NewYork Magazine. – @YouCanCookThis

Will definitely try! – @TheRecipeBox

A pinch of hot chili paste in a rum punch like the 1936 Zombie from Painkiller in NYC. I’m a Ministry of Rum Judge. Much research. – @WarrenBobrow1

Best remedy for a burning mouth from hot chiles is milk. Casein in milk binds to capsaicin so it can be washed away. – @TableFare

Bread also seems to take away the heat. Carbonated beverages are the worst!! Thai iced-tea is nice too. – @SpiceSherpa

Milk or cooling yoghurt, plain or perhaps as a raita – @luckyfatima

Raita w/hot curry! (RE: best remedy for a burning mouth) – @KyraTX

Raita w/hot curry is pain and pleasure in one! – @TableFare

The level of capsaicin in chiles is highly dependent on growing conditions & ripeness when harvested. -@TableFare

Any truth to the myth that chilies help to curb the appetite? Cuz I’m not finding that to be the case – @LynnATL

I’ve tested that theory too. Maybe if you burn the crap out of your tongue but who wants to do that? – @SpiceSherpa

I find them to be stimulating to the palate to the point of being addictive. Doesn’t work on me at all if so. – @luckyfatima

The science definitely shows that hot peppers curb appetite and balance blood sugar. – @healthyolga

The heat of a chile is on the surface of the interior membrane. Removing the seeds and membrane when cooking will lower the heat of the chile. -@TableFare

Is there any truth to the fact that people get a “high” from heat…is why they crave it? – @Unkatchable73

I’ve heard it’s an addictive high. – @Unkatchable73

Yes, some people do get a very real adrenaline rush from spicy food that triggers the reward systems of the brain. – @healthyolga

I swear I crave heat. There has to be something to that. – @TheMeatballGuy

Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chilies, can be applied topically for muscle and joint pain. – @kitchenayurveda

I’d love to learn more about storage of powdered/ground peppers. I want to make sure I’m getting the health benefits – @healthyolga

Be sure to store your powdered chile peppers in airtight, containers in cool dry location! – @MySpiceSage

Also store them away from direct light. -@TableFare

The Cook’s Thesaurus has a great run down with photos of loads of dried chiles. – @TableFare

Read more about various chile peppers in TableFare’s Spice Library. – @TableFare

Safety First – wear gloves!

I wear plastic gloves when I’m cooking with chilies. Contact lens wearer. Once bitten, twice shy. – @YouCanCookThis

I wear gloves too… I’ve gotten that juice in the eye and it was not fun – @Unkatchable73

My mother grew peppers so hot that she would have to wear gloves to remove them from the plant. – @diamondslady812

I’ve heard about not rubbing your eyes when touching chiles especially jalapenos. My 6th grade teacher made that mistake – @WildOrchids09

Mulato Chile, 500 - 2,500 Scoville units

SpiceChat Prize Winners

Congratulations to the four lucky chatters randomly chosen as the winners of a SpiceCare Starter Kit from TableFare or a selection of lovely chiles from MySpiceSage. We give away two of each during each chat. Hopefully you will be one of our winners next month!

@LynnATL, @RJFlamingo, @TheRecipeBox, @WarrenBobrow. Enjoy your prizes!

SpiceChat prizes!

A Conversation About Chiles From Mild to Hot

Red Peppers – 0 Scoville heat units

In morocco to roast peppers they cook on low and then put them into a plastic bag for 5minutes – remove and skin falls off! – @marocmama

Paper bags work, too. Or put them in a bowl & cover w/ plastic wrap. – @RJFlamingo

Paprika – 0 to 2,500 Scoville heat units depending on the variety

Paprika

Spanish paprika can be mild (Pimentón Dulce), slightly spicy (Pimentón Agridulce), or very hot (Pimentón Picante.) When the peppers are dried over smoking oak wood the paprika is sold as Pimentón de la Vera, or smoked paprika.

Hungarian paprika is graded on the quality of the pepper, capsaicin level, color and grind: Exquisite Delicate, Delicate, Nobel-Sweet (most common variety exported), Semi-Sweet, Rose, and Hot. You can read more about paprika and pimenton in the TableFare Spice Library.

Paprika! Does everyone consider this in the chili pepper family? I do and I love the smoked variety, the uses are endless. ~S – @TheDOEThree

Yes, me too! Smoked paprika (peminton) is one of my most used spices. -@TableFareWe

Pimenton is smoked paprika. You should be cooking with it if you aren’t already! Here’s a great cracker recipe. -@TableFare

Pimenton Crackers

This is the Buttermilk Garlic Salad Dressing that turned me on to pimenton (smoky paprika). – @LynnATL

I love a naturally smoky touch to a chili. e.g. smoked paprika – @SpiceSherpa

I used to get a lot of paprika potato chips in Poland. Really spicy and good. – @YouCanCookThis

Ancho 1,000 – 2,000 Scoville heat units

Ancho Chile, 1,000 - 2,000 Scoville units

Ancho chiles are dried pablanos. -@MySpiceSage

I like this Maple-Peach Glazed Grilled Ham Steak with Ancho Chili Powder recipe by @bflay. Yum! – @reneedobbs

I use ancho in my brownies. – @SimplyImprssve

My Deep Chocolate Brownies have ancho in them too. -@TableFare

Deep Chocolate Brownies with a touch of cinnamon and ancho chile

Guallijo 2,500 – 8,000 Scoville heat units

Guajillo Chiles, 1,000 - 2,500 Scoville units

Guajillo is one of the most commonly used chiles in Mexico. It’s soaked & then blended to make enchilada sauce. – @TableFare

Guajillos are great for making enchilada sauce. – @SimplyImprssve

Someone must have a great enchilada recipe to share…? -@TableFare

I throw this and that into the sauce. – @SimplyImprssve

Enchiladas sound yummy- I can never get them right. – @mom4everandever

I feel bad my enchiladas just don’t taste good – @mom4everandever

Someday it will happen- have mastered tortillas- it just takes time. – @mom4everandever

I love enchiladas!! – @JoeyfromSC

Simple Chicken Chili featuring guajillos chiles from @gourmet. – @MySpiceSage

Chili Powder – The heat level varies greatly depending on the chiles and spices used in the blend.

Chili powder is a blend of spices and chiles rather than just a single type of ground chile. -@TableFare

A perfect summer dish! corn+butter+chili powder! YUM. – @LynnATL

Chicken & White Bean Chili with Fresh Basil

Easy Chicken & White Bean Chili with Fresh Basil uses chili powder. – @TableFare

Chili powder is also good for reducing carcinogens released when grilling meat. – @SpiceSherpa

Here is a selection of many different Chile Pepper Powders! – @MySpiceSage

Harissa Paste – The heat level will vary depending on the chiles used to make it.

I just bought harissa. Haven’t tried it. – @SimplyImprssve

I use harrissa on lots of things. Even just mixed in mayo to fancy it up. – @TableFare

A little bit of harissa is awesome stirred into mayo as a dip. – @YouCanCookThis

Thanks. will try, just got it yesterday – @SimplyImprssve

I’ve never had harrissa – @JoeyfromSC

Check out this Chicken and Rice recipe to use harissa. – @marocmama

I have seen harissa recipes, but never made it. I love chilies and other spicy recipes! – @suzannetate

I love harissa. It’s great on middle eastern/African dishes like this Seven-Vegetable Couscous. – @LynnATL

Jalapenos 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units

Nachos without jalapenos is such a disappointment. – @YouCanCookThis

I just made bread/butter pickled jalapenos yesterday. yum! – @SimplyImprssve

Your pickles sound delish. I’m looking for a quick pickled carrots recipe with jalapenos. – @LynnATL

Stuff jalapenos with seasoned paneer or potato, dip in seasoned gram flour batter and deep fry for spicy stuffed chile pakora. – @luckyfatima

For a milder chile pakora, use anaheims – @luckyfatima

Jalapeno is one of the most popular flavors in the U.S., flavoring everything from chips to cookies. – @MySpiceSage

Wow, didn’t know there were jalapeno cookies! – @WildOrchids09

I wonder if they drink milk w/ jalapeno cookies or water? – @WildOrchids09

Milk will do a better job of killing the heat than water and milk is always great with cookies. – @TableFare

Had to look up some jalapeno cookie recipes: Cranberry Jalapeno Cookies and Cheddar Jalapeno Cookies -@TableFare

Grilled cheese with jalapenos! – @TheMeatballGuy

And maybe a few tomatoes thrown in. – @BlogWellDone

Another delish Indian chile dish: Hyderabad’s famed Mirchi Ka Saalan, green chiles cooked in sesame-peanut-coconut tamarind gravy. – @luckyfatima

Chipotle 5,000 – 10,000 Scoville heat units

Now we are starting to lose chile fans to the heat.

I can’t take that heat, so outta the kitchen for me! haha – @JoeyfromSC

I’m such a wuss!! I like flavor not fire! – @marocmama

Uncle! I can’t take it that hot, but my hubby can eat the hottest of hottest peppers..lol – @diamondslady812

I don’t think my acid reflux could take it that hot LOL – @WildOrchids09

I wimp out when the chilies get too hot. – @KyraTX

Me too I wimp out also. – @diamondslady812

Love the smokey flavor of chipotles – @reneedobbs

I LOVE chipotles! The flavor is incredible! – @RJFlamingo

Sprinkle Ground Red Chipotle on freshly popped popcorn – @karinevarga

Chipotles are a smoke-dried jalapeno. Sold dried or canned in an adobo sauce. – @MySpiceSage

@MySpiceSage , your chipotle powder is AWESOME! – @SimplyImprssve

Chipotle may be a fad ingredient, but it is sooo good. Great to sneak in as an unexpected ingredient. – @luckyfatima

I love chipotle mayonnaise on a burger – @luckyfatima

Me too! Chipotle mayo and fries. So good! – @YouCanCookThis

Yes, chipotle in mayo is a great burger spread. I add it to yogurt for a veggie dip too. – @TableFare

Anyone up for a spicy cocktail using chipotles in adobo? Barbacoa Cocktail from @Saveurmag – @TableFare

Does chipotle puree count? If so, @bflay Mesa Grill’s Pumpkin Soup is a heavenly mix of spices in a bowl. – @LynnATL

I’ve had the pumpkins soup at Mesa Grill and it was outstanding! Excited to try making it. – @TableFare

Mentions and ideas for using Chipotles – @Austin_FoodBuzz

Berbere

Berbere is a popular Ethiopian spice rub that packs a punch from chile heat depending on the type you use. – @TableFare

Spices commonly used in berbere

Love berbere!!! I wish I had some for dinner tonight. haha – @marocmama

I’ve been DYING to make something using berbere! Ethiopian is one of my favorite foods – @Stylish1z

@marocmama How did you use your berbere? – @TableFare

I throw it into burgers for a unique taste or marinate meat with it to grill – most Americans don’t expect it! – @marocmama

I think it tastes very similar to ras al hanout – just a bit hotter – @marocmama

Spicy Red Lentil Stew

This Spicy Red Lentil Stew is so tasty because of berbere. – @TableFare

Aleppo – 10,000 – 23,000 Scoville heat units

Aleppo pepper is another favorite, more complex fruity flavor than classic red chile flakes. Around 15,000 scoville unites. – @MySpiceSage

I have never used aleppo pepper, how do you like to use it? – @luckyfatima

It has a rich depth of chili flavor but with mild heat. Okay…the heat varies. Black beans, eggs, rubs, chocolate. – @SpiceSherpa

I use Aleppo pepper flakes any place I would use the basic red chile flakes that are commonly sprinkled on pizza. -@TableFare

Since aleppo pepper is fruity, does that mean its sweet or is it a tart chile? – @WildOrchids09

It has a fruity aroma and a slightly tart flavor. – @Tablefare

Arbol 15,00 – 30,000 Skoville heat units

Arbol Chile Peppers are by far the most visually appealing Chile Pepper; they are often used in Arts & Crafts. – @MySpiceSage

Arbols add just the right zing to my chili! -@RJFlamingo

I prefer arbol chile to cayenne because of the arbol’s smoky note. – @luckyfatima

Me too! – @CreativCulinary

Need to try arbol. – @SimplyImprssve

Ceyenne 30,000 – 60,000 Skoville heat units

Cayenne Pepper is named for its origin; the Cayenne region of French Guiana. – @MySpiceSage

One feature of cayenne is it adds heat to a dish without a distinct flavor. – @TableFare

Cayenne Pepper can be as high as 60,000 Scoville heat units. It’s hot, intense & spicy! – @MySpiceSage

Cayenne Pepper is rich in Vitamin A, which is important for good eye health. – @MySpiceSage

Reshampatti is your typical Indo-Pak grocery red-chile powder chile – @luckyfatima

It’s also called India Extra Hot. -@TableFare

Cayenne is ok..in moderation. lol – @JoeyfromSC

Cayenne tastes good in eggs- it really tastes good in an egg white and vegie omelet – @mom4everandever

Love cayenne in my veggie omelet. ~Kristin – @shesconnected

Cayenne is also tasty sprinkled into a deviled egg and topped with a sprig of cilantro. – @SpiceSherpa

Love to add cayenne to red beans for an extra kick! – @nella22

I use Cayenne pepper to spice up my spaghetti sauce that is also flavored by the meatballs. – @TheMeatballGuy

Now that sounds good…. my Mom puts cayenne in her sauce too. – @Unkatchable73

Cayenne is great especially for making hot wings on the grill! – @WildOrchids09

Classic! – @TableFare

I am not a big heat spicy person… but sometimes I just have to have hot chicken wings – @Unkatchable73

I do jalapenos & cayenne on pizza but don’t overdo it in the sauce. Just enough to make the other flavors come out. – @TheMeatballGuy

My local Halal market makes a spice rub with cinnamon, cayenne pepper rub it all over baby lamb chops grill over charcoal. – @WarrenBobrow1

I like cinnamon with chile. I bet that’s a nice rub for lamb chops. – @TableFare

I will use cayenne pepper powder on my cowboy crackers – @diamondslady812

I do a cinnamon chocolate chip cayenne cookie that people like. – @BlogWellDone

Take your favorite chocolate chip recipe and add 1 Tbsp. cinnamon and 1 tsp. cayenne. – @BlogWellDone

I love cayenne pepper in chocolate cake, brownies, and my home-made chocolate ice cream with a little cinnamon and cardamom. – @healthyolga

Definitely in the ice cream! I have a recipe for extra easy Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream. No eggs, simple but delicious! – @SpiceSherpa

Your Mexican Chocolate ice cream sounds incredible. I haven’t tried a no-egg ice cream recipe yet! – @healthyolga

I like things delicious but simple. You can adjust the chocolate and cinnamon to your taste. – @SpiceSherpa

Truthfully I think most any chili powder would work. Pick your heat and flavor and mix away. – @SpiceSherpa

I could do the chocolate ice cream as chocolate is my weakness. – @diamondslady812

It’s my weakness too! I love really decadent good quality chocolate! – @healthyolga

I mix Cayenne pepper into a decadent brownie that I make. I also add it to a dark chocolate ganache. With cinnamon. – @SpiceSherpa

Chocolate & cayenne and a rich, fat red Zinfandel like something from Tony Coturri. Really over the top with acidity and fruit. – @WarrenBobrow1

Minetta Tavern in NYC does the maple sazerac. I ask for a pinch of Cayenne. Simple sippin’ – @WarrenBobrow1

Cayenne Lemonade is surprisingly refreshing. – @kitchenayurveda

I’ve heard that but never tried it – @TheRecipeBox

Jalapeno lemonade is awesomesauce. – @ShrinkingFoodie

Really lemonade- gonna try it in a lemonade slushee. – @mom4everandever

Cayenne, lemon juice and 1 tbs. of maple syrup for a sore throat or detox. – @SpiceSherpa

Going to remember this. – @Unkatchable73

Here’s a link to the Cayenne Lemon Juice recipe. Be honored if you stopped by. – @SpiceSherpa

Oh! I love cayenne and lemon together. Great warm with a bit of honey. – @lisalaudato

Add a shot or two of Rye Whiskey, a dash of Absinthe and call it a maple Sazerac. – @WarrenBobrow1

Absinthe…really? with Maple and pepper? Hmmm…I’m game. – @SpiceSherpa

Yes. It adds depth to the cocktail. – @WarrenBobrow1

Cayenne is very versatile. I cook with it often. – @reneedobbs

I used to know someone who put cayenne in a nail polish to stop nail biting – @mom4everandever

I have been told by the vet to put cayenne on wood to stop the horses from chewing the boards – @Unkatchable73

Cayenne stimulates blood flow and is good for the heart. – @kitchenayurveda

Learn more interesting facts about Cayenne Pepper!  – @MySpiceSage

Aji 30,000 – 50,000 Scoville heat units

Aji Chiles, 30,000 - 50,000 Scoville units

Aji peppers are so beautiful & and have a fruity note.  – @TableFare

Pequin – 50,000 – 100,000 Scoville heat units

Pequin Chiles, 50,000 - 100,000 Scoville units

The tiny pequin peppers hit in the 60K range on scoville. @foodista has nice overview & list of recipes.- @TableFare

I like to use them when I make berbere. – @TableFare

Chile pequins, salt and vinegar, blend until smooth. There you have some awesome hot sauce. – @kitchenayurveda

Bird’s Eye Chile – 50,000 – 100,000 Scoville heat units

I love kung pao chicken and its spicy chilies. I’d love to know more about those peppers. – @suzannetate

Japones or Thai Chile

Did someone just mention kung pao chicken? – @KyraTX

Asian dishes often use bird chiles or thai chiles. Nice & hot! -@TableFare

The Red HourCcocktail combines Thai Chili, Bitters/Rum – @WarrenBobrow1

Habanero 100,000 – 300,000 Scoveille heat units

Habanero Chile Peppers are anywhere from five to ten times hotter than Chipotle Peppers. – @MySpiceSage

Wow, now that’s hot! – @WildOrchids09

They are one of the hottest peppers used for culinary purposes! – @MySpiceSage

@myspicesage several people tried your habanero powder & loved it. t – @SimplyImprssve

I poured some from the bottle to a bag and the ‘mist’ almost killed me. – @SimplyImprssve

I’ve stored your habanero powder for 6 months and it hasn’t lost a bit of punch. – @SimplyImprssve

I don’t use them, but my hubby fixes his special chili with them. – @diamondslady812

I have yet to cook with them, however I have successfully grown them.. just gave them away – @Unkatchable73

Once you get past the heat, Habaneros have a fruity & citrus like flavor. – @MySpiceSage

How do you get past the heat is the question. haha – @marocmama

The key is to remove the inner ribs & seeds. – @RJFlamingo

I don’t care for peppers that are so hot they dominate all the flavor but I know many people love that! – @SpiceSherpa

Fun & spicy summer drink, Ice & Spice made with Ginger-Habanero Syrup from @fandw  – @TableFare

I make a Carambola Pepper Jam with habaneros, and sub honey for some of the sugar. I think the honey helps smooth out the heat. – @RJFlamingo

Pepper jam! Oooh, you cook at a whole new level. I love that stuff! I tip my hat to you. – @SpiceSherpa

This Spicy Carambola Jam looks really good. I’ll have to make it for my mom who loves carambola! – @healthyolga

Habanero makes me think Jamacian Jerk! Check out this great looking burger from @SimplyRecipes  – @TableFare

Yum @jamaican jerk – @JoeyfromSC

Habanero’s are very easy to grow…. we had one plant and got about 60+ peppers off it – @Unkatchable73

I don’t cook with habanero but I like Sontava habanero hot sauce, hotter than Tapatío or Tabasco and used in same way – @luckyfatima

We have some peach habanero hot sauce that is pretty tasty on grilled chicken – @marocmama

Peach sounds good, I bet the sweet balances out the heat – @Unkatchable73

The very best pasta recipe using habaneros, Pasta from Hell. Impress all of your friends. – @kitchenayurveda

Grilled Shrimp w Habanero-Garlic Vinaigrette by @bFlay makes me want to fire up the grill!  – @TableFare

Ghost Chile

Not for the faint of heart. Who among us has cooked with Bhut Jolokia, aka Ghost Chile? – @TableFare

Bhut Jolokia are also commonly known as Ghost Chiles. They’re searing hot, but with very distinct fruity flavors. – @MySpiceSage

The Naga Viper has edged it out in the Guinness Book of World Records, but the Bhut Jolokia is still the most widely known as the hottest! – @MySpiceSage

Wow, some of these hot ones I’ve never even heard of – @Unkatchable73

Ghost chiles have a beautiful bright orange color & super crinkly skin. – @TableFare

What are the Scoville units for a Ghost Pepper? – @TheMeatballGuy

If you’ve gotta ask, you don’t want it! – @SimplyImprssve

Scoville for ghost chile is over 1 million! @TableFare

Wowzer Scoville for ghost chile is over 1 million! – @diamondslady812

ouch! – @SimplyImprssve

WHOA That’s some heat there. – @Unkatchable73

WOW! . . . I still want to try it. – @TheMeatballGuy

I have seen hot sauces with waivers you have to sign.. I am imagining those have ghost chiles in them – @Unkatchable73

lol..I’ve seen those too!! Firehouse subs has TONS of those hot sauces! – @JoeyfromSC

My brothers did the Chunky’s Four Horsemen ghost chile burger challenge in San Antonio and both vomited immediately after eating – @luckyfatima

Well, there’s the answer to how chilies help you lose weight. – @SpiceSherpa

I usually just infuse ghoste chile in food because it’s so hot rather than add the actual chile. – @TableFare

Coconut Kafir Lime Ghost Chile Bon Bons

First thing I made with ghost chiles: Coconut Kaffir Lime Ghost Chile Bon Bons. So good & what a kick! – @TableFare

Wow—this is a must make. Sounds fun. – @SpiceSherpa

I’ve heard that Ghost Chile salsa is really good though – @WildOrchids09

I have not cooked with it but have 2 ghost chile plants, no fruit yet – @luckyfatima

I want to start a plant. – @mom4everandever

I haven’t tried ghost chilis yet, but a friend sent me some seeds that I’m dying to plant & try! – @RJFlamingo

Ghost Peppers not yet ripe. – @kitchenayurveda

I’ve grown ghost chilies and I like them because they don’t need alot of attention. Easy to grow! – @healthyolga

Unripe ghost chile grown by @kitchenayurveda

Here’s a look at the ripe ghost chiles @kitchenayurveda is growing.

A friend infused vodka with ghost chile for Bloody Mary drinks. Big hit! – @TableFare

Vanilla and ghost pepper infused vodka sounds terrific! – @suzannetate

I think I’ll pass on the ghost peppers. I’d do something stupid like wipe my with an ungloved hand. – @SpiceSherpa

Next SpiceChat

The next spice chat is Wednesday July 6th, 4:00 -5:00 p.m. ET. Join us for a summery chat about what is likely the most popular herb, basil.

Past SpiceChats

Caraway Seed SpiceChat Recap

Fennel Seed SpiceChat Recap

Coriander SpiceChat Recap

Cinnamon SpiceChat Recap

For an hour on the first Wednesday of the month Twitter feeds across cyber-ville were well seasoned with caraway seed chatter. Thanks to everyone who joined me (Carol/@TableFare) and Wendy from @MySpiceSage. As always we had a great mix of spice enthusiasts from expert to novice and generated some fantastic information and ideas on cooking with caraway seeds during our latest SpiceChat.

Caraway seed

@2GourManiacs share a philosophy Wendy and I fully embrace, “You can never have too many spices… where do you draw the line? Let’s just cook!”  Their blog post, What’s in your spice rack?  is a peek at their culinary flavor arsenal. It’s validating to meet people with triple digit spice collections. You can see how I wrangle my spices in my Intro to SpiceCare Video we made when we launched our product.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64oxdn0XueE

SpiceChat is all about learning how to rock your spice collection with creative license. Knowing the flavor profile of a spice and the kinds of foods it pairs well with, you can dip into your spice collection with impunity and cook to your palate. Read on and you will never again spy the caraway seeds in your cupboard and wonder what the heck you should do with them.

SpiceChat prize winners

Congratulations to the four lucky chatters randomly chosen as the winners of a SpiceCare Starter Kit from TableFare or a selection of lovely spices from MySpiceSage. We give away two of each during each chat. Hopefully you will be one of our winners next month!

@4evamamii, @onlinepastrychf,  @VeggieLow, @luckyfatima your prizes are on their way!

SpiceChat prizes!

Caraway Seed Tips & Facts!

• Use of caraway predates recorded history. It’s been found in food debris at Mesolithic sites.
• It seems it was more popular historically than it is in modern kitchens. – @SpiceBites

Wonder why? -@SimplyImprssve

I think people forget about caraway. -@TableFare

I love reading the history on the spices I consume – @diamondslady812

• Caraway is grown all around the world; Netherlands, Canada, Russia, Poland, Morocco, N. India
• The botanical name for the caraway plant is Carum carvi. It’s in the parsley family.
• Caraway is in the Umbelliferae family. It flowers in spray that looks like an umbrella. -@kitchenayurveda
• Caraway Seeds are brown in color with distinctive light brown ridges. -@MySpiceSage
• Caraway Seeds are renowned for their unique pungent aroma attributed to the essential oils: D-carvone & limonene.
• Toasting the seeds will mellow the acrid notes in caraway.

 Never toasted them. Will have to try. – @SimplyImprssve

I am going to try toasting them soon.   -@diamondslady812

• Caraway is best added at end of the cooking process because long cooking times can make it bitter.

Didn’t know.  -@SimplyImprssve

Bitter really? Wow. -@diamondslady812

• Caraway’s essential oils dissipate quickly once ground. For the best flavor buy whole caraway seeds.

Historians have discovered much confusion around caraway siting references to cumin that actually mean caraway and vice versa. Also other spices have been confused for caraway as @luckyfatima points out.

• I have seen Shahi zeera and ajwain translated as caraway, but neither are truly caraway, they come from different plants. -@luckyfatima
• Ajwain is trachyspermum copticum, shahi zeera is bunium persicum, caraway is carum carvi #gotitfromwikipedia -@luckyfatima

@luckyfatima Do you know the desi name for Caraway? -@SpiceBites

vilayati zeera (foreign zeera) & ajmaad (which I believe is desi celery seed, no real word) -@luckyfatima

Lol. Thnx for checking. I asked my mom & she couldn’t come up with a name either. – @SpiceBites

•  The German word for cumin and caraway are (almost) the same. When using Google translate w/German recipes, I default to caraway. lol -@onlinepastrychf

Cumin is Kreuzkumeel and caraway is instead just Kummel #german -@RecipeTaster

@RecipeTaster Thanks! Tell Google Translate that! lol  -@onlinepastrychf

Caraway seeds

A Conversation about Caraway Seeds

We love having people join the conversation who want to discover how to use a spice they aren’t familiar with.

I’m just getting into cooking myself and am ready to learn about the different spices! -@Shihtzuation

Learning how to spice, my husband says I need to put more love in it. lol. – @blondiefrommd

Love is always important along with spice!   -@TableFare

How would you describe the flavor and aroma of caraway seeds?

No clue, haven’t tried caraway seeds!   -@4evamamii

I’ve never had it.  What do caraway seeds taste like?  -@jhuangthechef

Caraway has always been that bottle always full in my rack because I’ve never known what to do with it.   -@blondiefrommd

Haven’t had caraway seeds before At least, not that I know of  -@WildOrchids09

Caraway Seeds have a distinct warm, bittersweet, tangy flavor with a hint of orange & anise.   -@MySpiceSage

Hard to describe for me, but I sure love them. – @SimplyImprssve

Caraway seeds are warm & pungent with a slight anise note.   -@TableFare

Rye bread! Yes! I just made that connection with the seeds!   -@VeggieLow

A mild licorice smell. It has a poof flavor of wow I like that. -@diamondslady812

Almost licorice-ish, very fragrant. -@Unkatchable73

Bold, surprising. Peppermint with a hint of licorice & citrus   -@SpiceBites

I think caraway is a very cooling spice–a bit of menthol to it, almost. I am a fan:)  -@onlinepastrychf

A little of Caraway goes a long way -@SpiceBites

It can be strong. Toasting it will mellow the flavor. -@TableFare

I agree–it is pretty powerful stuff!  -@onlinepastrychf

The smell of caraway is wonderful. I even planted caraway thyme. Looks like thyme but smells like caraway. Great herbed butter.   -@reneedobbs

Dark rye bread

Breads are probably most associated with caraway. What do you bake with caraway?

I use caraway seeds when I bake rye bread. What else can I use it for?   -@condoblues

Rye bread and kummelweck rolls have caraway seeds on them.  -@Unkatchable73

I bake rye, pumpernickle and Russian black bread with caraway seeds. YUM   -@condoblues

I also use it on Rye bread   -@diamondslady812

I use caraway when I bake bread. Especially dark breads like rye.   -@condoblues

Probably breads….   -@4evamamii

Love rye bread loaded with caraway. Sauerkraut also.   -@reneedobbs

Me too! -@choicemorsel

Rye Breadsticks! I love serving breadsticks at parties. Recipe from Bread World.  -@TableFare

Those rye breadsticks seem easy enough. Will try later and report!   -@VeggieLow

Never thought of basic breadsticks- gonna try that.  -@mom4everandever

Rye and Cornmeal Muffins from The Garden of Eating blog by Eve Fox. (Photo posted with permission.)

Check out these gorgeous Rye & Cornmeal Muffins with Caraway Seed from @evefox   -@TableFare

Bet they would taste great w/ stew.   -@WildOrchids09

Yum-looking muffins. Now I want to get baking   -@SpiceBites

Ooh yes, corn & caraway…sounds like a great combo.   -@SpiceBites

My mom makes corn fritters with caraway seeds! Sooo good!  -@nella22

Is caraway used much in Dominican cuisine? Corn fritters sound great.   -@TableFare

Definitely! We make crackers and cookies with it also! Just the smell of the seeds sauteing, love!   -@nella22

Do you usually toast the seeds?   -@TableFare

Yes, it brings out the oils and aromas! #toasty  -@nella22

Pumpernickel Bread is a favorite of mine via @Allrecipes.  -@MySpiceSage

I love pumpernickel bread use it as dip and soup bowls yummy   -@diamondslady812

love pumpernickel bread    -@blondiefrommd

Trader Joe’s sells pumpernickel pretzel sticks that are very tasty.   -@TableFare

Do you like your pumpernickel pretzels w/ mustard?     -@WildOrchids09

Any soft pretzel is even better with mustard!   -@condoblues

I want to say I’ve tasted caraway in mustard before.    -@blondiefrommd

Caraway is good in mustard. -@TableFare

I’ve always wanted to make fancy flavored mustards.   -@condoblues

Mustard is a great idea. Good on a rye sandwich too!   -@VeggieLow

I’m trying to figure out how to make soft pumpernickle pretzles   -@condoblues

Good question, @onlinepastrychef? -@TableFare

I think it should work if I take ideas from my pumpernickle bread & soft pretzel dough recipes.   -@condoblues

I tried making pumpernickel dough into soft pretzels & it worked, but the appearance is well…everyone I fed them to snickered. @TableFare

Honestly have not baked breads and used caraway.  -@diamondslady812

My first memory of Caraway Seeds is eating Jewish Rye Bread at my grandparent’s house in the Bronx!   -@MySpiceSage

My first is with Jewish rye in Chicago…she had to have it fresh.-@mom4everandever

I love all things rye…. ham and cheese on rye!!    -@Unkatchable73

Savory Caraway Scones go well with soup! via @Allrecipes -@MySpiceSage

Add caraway seeds to your favorite biscuit recipe. Great for an egg & cheese breakfast sandwich.   -@TableFare

Oh wow, biscuits? Ohh the possibilities…where can I buy caraway seeds?   -@4evamamii

As luck would have it, My Spice Sage sells caraway seeds!  -@TableFare

Julius Caesar ate a bread called chara made with caraway seed.   -@MySpiceSage

I’m thinking Amish butter and bread with caraway.    -@blondiefrommd

Irish Soda Bread sometimes calls for caraway.  -@mtrelaun

Really? I’ve only had Irish soda bread a couple times in my life ;P   -@sweetsillianah

 When hubby made caraway light rye bread, young daughter said “Dad, the bread looks awesome, but tastes terrible!” LOL! -@Lucky_Yogini

Caraway can be very bitter to young palates -@TableFare

Didn’t make the bread for her, we laughed when she tried to be nice about it -@Lucky_Yogini

Is caraway one of the seeds that typifies the bagel ‘with everything’ topping medley? -@luckyfatima

I love everything bagels   -@blondiefrommd

I’m not sure there is a typical “everything” bagel, but I’ve noticed caraway in some. -@TableFare

Caraway spans both sweet & savory. Do you use caraway seed in sweet dishes?

Are there any well-known desserts out there that use caraway seeds?   -@sweetsillianah

Why yes there are! Read on… -@TableFare

I was thinking of adding caraway seeds to my pastry dough for a savory quiche. Anyone have any success with that? ~S – @TheDOEThree

I used caraway in a crust for choc tart & it was good, but I needed to use a little more.   -@TableFare

I was just thinking a chocolate shortbread style cookie with caraway. Yum. ~S   -@TheDOEThree

Would it taste good on a dark chocolate muffin   -@mom4everandever

            Oh yes, I do believe I’d give that a try! -@TableFare

cake?   -@4evamamii

Definitely! -@TableFare

Definitely cakes! In Victorian times they use to have Seed Cakes, & caraway was a popular addition.   -@SpiceBites

Seed Cake from Cooking for Seven, a blog by Erica Lee. (Photo posted with permission.)

Seed-Cake from @CookingforSeven is complete with a Hobbit quote!  -@TableFare

Orange Caraway Seed Cakes from Gourmet Magazine.  -@MySpiceSage

I have not used caraway much, but orange caraway seed cakes sound good!   -@suzannetate

I recently added it to a pound cake.   -@SpiceBites

Loving the Caraway Seed chat …..Here is a traditional Irish Caraway Seed Cake recipe. -@ModernFarmette

My elderly English relatives grew up eating “seedy cake.” Probably very similar!   -@onlinepastrychf

Loving all these seed cake recipes! Spicechat always lands me in the kitchen   -@SpiceBites

Can they bake in pancakes?   -@4evamamii

I’d love caraway pancakes maybe with a little orange zest added.  -@TableFare

Pumpkin rolls sound yummy.  -@mom4everandever

I have ignored caraway for use in sweets. Shall have to remedy that.  -@onlinepastrychf

Me too!   -@sweetsillianah

Apples and caraway seem like an excellent place to start. -@diamondslady812

They play great with butter, cream, chocolate, and citrus.  -@TableFare

I haven’t tried it in sweet dishes Hmm..wonder if there’s a caraway cheesecake?     -@WildOrchids09

Or caraway in cheesecake crust!   -@TableFare

Really caraway in cheesecake crust???  -@Unkatchable73

Caraway in the cheesecake crust, now that’s a good idea! If it’s turned over bet that would taste good on ice cream. Yum!   -@WildOrchids09

Caraway goes well in buttery things like cookies & crusts. -@TableFare

Buttery thing such as cookies and such? OMG!!   -@4evamamii

Caraway works with creamy fat, think Dutch cheeses. It would make great ice cream or custard.  -@TableFare

I like the ice cream idea!   -@onlinepastrychf

Oh I love plain egg custard.   -@diamondslady812

Caraway and apples are a perfect match. Next time you make baked apples, apple sauce, apple pie, or cobbler, try it.   -@TableFare

Apple & Caraway Tartlets w Cinnamon Clove Ice Cream & Cider Caramel Sauce, oh Yes! From @bonappetitmag -@MySpiceSage

The recipe looks interesting. I’ll try it!  -@jhuangthechef

Butter cookies sprinkled w caraway seeds are wonderful. Even substitute some of the AP flour with rye flour.   -@TableFare

What sorts of cuisines and associated foods come to mind when you think of caraway seed?

I’ve used in Indian and am wondering about others? -@VeggieLow

I use it in my Eastern European dishes -@SimplyImprssve

In Italy chestnuts are boiled with caraway seed before roasting them. Anyone tried this?   -@TableFare

Really chestnuts? Have always wanted to go to Italy….   -@Unkatchable73

I haven’t tried it but roasted chestnuts do sound good!     -@WildOrchids09

No but I will boil my chestnuts with caraway seeds next time.   -@diamondslady812

Report back! -@TableFare

I recently added it to a quick cooking pasta dish.   -@SpiceBites

They used to use fresh ground caraway in gnocchi at the restaurant.  Bold flavor–polarizing menu item (I liked it)!   -@onlinepastrychf

I can see that. I made it with 4-cheese raviolis. Yum!   -@SpiceBites

Nontraditional -@SimplyImprssve

Oooh gnocchi, I like that idea.   -@VeggieLow

German – breads and sauerkraut. -@TableFare

I immediately think of Germanic and Eastern European dishes, but it’s not a spice that I use too much.   -@onlinepastrychf

Goulash.  -@mom4everandever

Moroccan’s used in the spicy harissa condiment and Tabil. -@MySpiceSage

I had no idea caraway was in harissa! That explains the great flavor! Learning so much in this! -@VeggieLow

Caraway Seeds are used in different kinds of cheese in the Netherlands especially Muenster. -@MySpiceSage

British – cakes and biscuits.   -@TableFare

Middle Eastern foods and dishes.  -@diamondslady812 & @mom4everandever

In Yemen caraway is one of the many spices used in the popular hot sauce called Zhug.    -@TableFare

Austrian – goulash and stews   -@MySpiceSage

Hungarian and Slovakian – goulash, cabbage   -@MySpiceSage

A Dutch friend uses a hell of a lot of caraway. She gives me some every time I see her.   (Maybe she’s trying to tell me something) -@kitchenayurveda

Caraway can bet just the thing for soups. What’s in your soup pot with caraway?

Pepper pot soup!  -@condoblues

Pepper Pot soup sounds good.  -@diamondslady812

Carrots and leeks I think in the soup pot w/caraway   -@SpiceBites

Caraway is in carrot family, sounds like a match. -@TableFare

Root Vegetable & Barley Soup w Bacon is made better w caraway seeds. From @FineCooking -@FC_Evan

Here’s a tongue twister- Komenymagleves. (Caraway Seed Soup with Dumplings)    -@TableFare

I need to try more Hungarian recipes! Thnx for the tongue-twister soup   -@SpiceBites

Onion soup with caraway sounds awesome.  -@Unkatchable73

Vegetable soup?   -@4evamamii

I’m thinking butternut squash soup w/caraway would be delightful..   -@onlinepastrychf

Potato, cauliflower, or onion soups would all be good w a touch of caraway.   -@MySpiceSage

This Carrot Chestnut Soup with caraway seeds by  @clotildenet sounds divine!  -@MySpiceSage

Ooh carrot chestnut soup will go perfectly with those breadsticks… too bad it’s getting warm. -@VeggieLow

Bacon and potato soup with caraway sounds yummy.  -@mom4everandever

I ‘d love a good hearty stew type soup w/ plenty of bacon    -@WildOrchids09

Cool, I love all the named soups will try some caraway in them.  -@diamondslady812

Have not tried but will with all these great ideas   -@mom4everandever

Caraway’s bold flavor matches well with fatty foods. What meat dishes do you season w caraway?

I would say Pork….. pork dishes and caraway would probably go well together.  -@Unkatchable73

Sounds good to me. Especially with a pork-caraway-apple trifecta! -@onlinepastrychf

I am sitting here thinking what to cook for dinner no less and that just sounds too good.   -@Unkatchable73

These chats are always good for inspiration–glad I could help to inspire  -@onlinepastrychf

Pork is one I use caraway seeds with.   -@diamondslady812

Pork is a great match w caraway.   -@TableFare

Add caraway seeds to a simple pan sauce made with a little cream to serve over pork chops.   -@TableFare

Sounds delish!  -@choicemorsel

Does it matter the cut of pork or is caraway good on all different cuts?     -@WildOrchids09

Any cut would be good- chops, roast, ground for burgers… -@TableFare

I think would taste good on pork chops or a good beefy steak    -@WildOrchids09

Caraway and Mustard Seed Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Burger from www.DailyChef.com (photo posted with permission.)

Caraway and Mustard Seed Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Burgers from @DailyChef look insanely good!   -@TableFare

Caraway would probably add a fun flavor to veggie burgers as well as meat burgers   -@VeggieLow

Absolutely. -@TableFare

Hungarian Style Beef with Bell Peppers & Caraway Seeds sounds great. From @epicurious  -@MySpiceSage

I am thinking caraway might work in a borscht with meat (or meat alternative) -@VeggieLow

Beef Goulash with Dumplings from www.SimplyRecipes.com by Elise Bauer (Photo posted with permission. )

This Beef Goulash with Dumplings from @SimplyRecipes makes me want to get in the kitchen & cook! -@TableFare    

I never thought of beef stew. I’ll have to try it.   -@SimplyImprssve

Mmm yes and beef stew!   -@sweetsillianah

Might be nice to add to the brine for a fatty brisket for corned beef…   -@onlinepastrychf

This Salmon Glazed with Honey & Mustard from @epicurious looks perfect for spring salmon! -@MySpiceSage

It’s probably good in a sausage mix.   -@SpiceBites

That’s where I have had it- my turkey sausage- butcher mixes it in already- its yummy in there.  -@mom4everandever

Caraway would be great in a homemade pork sausage with apple.   -@LilBeesie

Yes!! Want that. =D   -@onlinepastrychf

I know! Now it sounds like my weekend project!   -@LilBeesie

That is an excellent project! Would love to hear how it turns out (I’m sure it will be amazing)!   -@onlinepastrychf

Here’s a great example of how caraway mixes with other spices. Roasted Leg of Lamb w Lemon & Onion. From @epicurious -@MySpiceSage

Now this sounds fantastic!! -@MoreThymeBlog

Chicken would be my choice   -@mom4everandever

Chile n’ Spice Grilled Chicken uses caraway, coriander& cumin. @rouxbe recipes are always winners! -@TableFare    

Devil's Food Eggs

I use caraway in my crazy Devil’s Food Eggs along with cocoa powder!  -@TableFare   

Hey I remember coriander from a previous chat! Those deviled eggs look scrumptious!     -@WildOrchids09

Rich creamy dairy foods are good w caraway. Prune in NYC makes a Toasted Caraway Seed Sour Cream Omelet! -@Tablefare

OMG that Omelet sounds sinfully good.   -@diamondslady812

What sorts of vegetables do you like to bless with a touch of caraway?   

Caraway seeds add great flavor to baked sweet potatoes… even baked apples.   -@2GourManiacs

Potatoes anyway you cook them are great w caraway.   -@MySpiceSage

I used it pretty liberally in a German onion pie (Zwiebelkuchen) w/yeasted crust. Very,very, yummy.   -@onlinepastrychf

Sounds great! -@TableFare

Had lots of input from @RecipeTaster for that onion pie.   -@onlinepastrychf

How about carrots and potatoes? My favorite vegetables!   -@4evamamii

The caraway plant is in the parsley/carrot family. Caraway seeds with carrots are a definite win.   -@MySpiceSage

Oh the carrot-parsley connection is interesting. I bet all three would make a great side dish.   -@VeggieLow

Seems like carrots are a shoe in.  And I know that it’s lovely with caramelized onions…   -@onlinepastrychf

Cabbage, carrots, sauerkraut..etc… -@SimplyImprssve

Cabbage (red & white), daikon radish (the white ones), zucchini, carrots   -@SpiceBites

I’ve not tried zucchini, but will -@TableFare

Here’s a traditional Coleslaw with Caraway Seeds from @finecooking -@MySpiceSage    

I’ll be making this soon! Warm Red Cabbage Slaw with Apple and Caraway Seed from @PinchMySalt   -@TableFare

Apple Sauerkraut with Caraway and Fennel Seeds from @TheCooksDen. Add a polish sausage & you have dinner!   -@TableFare

Typical for my house. -@SimplyImprssve

Sauerkraut, like in New Years Day Spareribs with kraut.   -@MoreThymeBlog

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Pearl Onions

I use caraway & juniper in my Roasted Brussels Sprouts w Pearl Onions.  -@TableFare

OMG! -@SimplyImprssve

Brussels sprouts with a little butter and caraway seed is good. Deborah Madison adds mustard to her version. -@MySpiceSage

I am going to try it in a stir fry.   -@mom4everandever

Great idea! -@MySpiceSage

Caraway works well with fennel too. Roasted, sautéed, soup – a little caraway is a nice touch.   -@MySpiceSage

I love fennel and caraway together.   -@diamondslady812

I can imagine that caraway complements fennel nicely.  Now I’m thinking fennel pollen ice cream w/caraway…   -@onlinepastrychf

Spoken like a true pastry chef. -@SimplyImprssve

LOL  Sometimes I just *go there.*   -@onlinepastrychf

Love the creativity! -@SimplyImprssve

For some reason, I’m thinking caramelizing onions with caraway would be so delicious.   -@LilBeesie

They are good with caramelized onions…have learned though to add it at the end for better taste   -@mom4everandever

So true! Long cooking times can make caraway seeds bitter. -@MySpiceSage

Eggplant & caraway might make for a good casserole     -@WildOrchids09

I wonder how roasted turnip would taste with caraway?   -@LilBeesie

Root vegetables & caraway are a match made in heaven.   -@TableFare

I’m thinking caraway seeds would be great in sweet potato hash!   -@KyraTX

Yes, fennel & caraway & cumin. We could call it Seedy Sweet Potato hash   -@SpiceBites

Love it! -@TableFare

Sometimes I get carried off by words and ingredients *grin*   -@SpiceBites

I add it to green peppers, onions and beef for sandwiches   -@mom4everandever

That sounds like a great combo–peppers/onions/beef.  -@onlinepastrychf

What other herbs and spices do you match with caraway seed?

Mustard seed goes well w caraway and it’s often used in mustards.   -@TableFare

How about Caraway Beer Mustard? If you’ve never made your own mustard you must! -@TableFare    

Great on sausages. -@SimplyImprssve

I’ve never made mustard. WHY??? Must remedy this soon   -@SpiceBites

Ooooh making own mustard – adding to to-do list.   -@VeggieLow

Easy to make but there are rules to follow. -@SimplyImprssve

Where would I find mustard making rules? I guess google.   -@SpiceBites

I was thinking of adding it to a mustard and some honey for some dipping sauce with zip   -@mom4everandever

Yum! -@TableFare

Thyme & parsley are caraway friendly herbs.   -@MySpiceSage

I love caraway seeds on buttered noodles.   Will add thyme next time I make them. -@KyraTX

That’s a great idea -@TableFare

Buttered noodles, caraway & thyme. Sounds Mmmmmmm.   -@SpiceBites

Cumin & caraway are nice together because they have similar flavors.   -@MySpiceSage

Coriander gets along with everything including caraway.   -@MySpiceSage

Limonene and D-carvone are the two main flavor components in caraway. Dill also has D-carvone.   -@TableFare

Just read up on d-carvone: responsible for  flavor of caraway, dill and spearmint, carvone used for millennia in food -@luckyfatima

Lots of spices contain limonene (a citrus flavor note) and relate to caraway that way. Dill, fennel, cardamom.   -@TableFare

Juniper berries are often used with caraway. Both are great with meats and sauerkraut.   -@TableFare

On the sweet side, caraway works w warm spicy flavors like cinnamon and allspice.   -@MySpiceSage

When in doubt, add a little hooch. What kinds of drinks use caraway?

 While reading a blog post on Seattle Foodies, I came across a reference to Beetcello with caraway seed. Here are the directions to make Limoncello, with a little creative substitution you could give Beetcello with caraway a try.

In prepareation for #SpicChat, @choicemorsel wrote a nice blog post about a popular Icelandic beverage called Brennivin, made from potato mash that packs quite a punch. 

Never thought of alcoholic drinks- thought about v8 but not any wild drinks   -@mom4everandever

Oh my haven’t thought about caraway with alcohol! Exciting ideas afoot.   -@VeggieLow

Caraway is an essential flavoring in a liquor called Kummel popular in Germany and Scandinavia.   -@TableFare

@WarrenBobrow1  couldn’t make the chat, but wanted to share this – Martini with Caraway Infused Vodka!   -@TableFare

Aquavit is made with caraway along with other spices, and you can make your own. From @epicurious  own.-@MySpiceSage

Friends bring us aquavit when they visit from Norway last year. They drink it as a dinner aperitif. Potent, but we love it.   -@LilBeesie

Can you share any health benefits or history & lore of caraway seed?

In Shakespear’s Henry IV: Shallow says to Falstaff “ We will eat a last year’s pippin of my own grafting and a dish of caraways.”   -@TableFare

Just read that one gram of powder mixed with honey is another way of alleviating lack of food appetite!   -@nella22

The essential oils contained in Caraway Seeds possess antioxidant, anti-flatulent and helpful -@MySpiceSage

Caraway Seeds are also rich in dietary fiber which helps the digestive system.   -@MySpiceSage

They contain many minerals including iron, copper, magnesium, potassium and zinc.   -@MySpiceSage

Caraway is also used in herbal mouthwashes to combat Gingivitis!    -@nella22

They also contain vitamin A, C & E and a complex of vitamin B.   -@MySpiceSage

Ancient Egyptian rulers used caraway along with other spices for embalming, as ointments, and fumigants.   -@TableFare

Caraway is a carminative. (carminatives help get the gas out)   -@kitchenayurveda

Good to know–love tips like this:)   -@onlinepastrychf

I read that taking caraway or imbibing tissane is a way to increase breast milk production   -@luckyfatima

Caraway Seeds are known for helping to reduce the symptoms of digestive disorders.   -@MySpiceSage

Ancient Arabs, Greeks and Romans used caraway to protect prized possessions and to keep lovers from wondering away.   -@TableFare

That just about wraps up our Caraway SpiceChat, but then @SpiceSherpa chimes in.

Waaah..I missed   and caraway seeds. Shoot. -@SpiceSherpa

Bummer because we actually harvested our own caraway seeds from plants that self-seeded from a pioneer family.  . -@SpiceSherpa

@SpiceSherpa wrote up a great post on How to Grow Your Own Caraway! 

Next SpiceChat

On Wednesday June 2nd we will be talking about chile peppers! There are so many varieties that we thought we would move through the skoville scale from mild to hot and have everyone share their favorite recipes for specific chiles. Need some inspriation? Check out the wide variety of dried chiles My SpiceSage sells.

Mark you calendar for 6/2 and come chat about chiles from 4:00-5:00 p.m. EST!

Past SpiceChats

Fennel Seed SpiceChat Recap

Coriander SpiceChat Recap

Cinnamon SpiceChat Recap

Another lively chat with great participation generated a wealth of tasty ways to enjoy fennel seeds. Wendy from @MySpiceSage and I (Carol from @TableFare) are thrilled so many spice lovers and spice learners joined in with tips, questions, ideas, and recipe links. Here are all the spicy details of the hour.

Fennel seeds

We were thrilled to meet some new spice enthusiasts this month and always enjoy being able to expand people’s spice repertoire. 

Omgoodness, a chat about spices?! So glad I stumbled on to this…may I join in? How often do you have this?  - @SpiceBites

Everyone is welcome to participate in our monthly SpiceChat on the first Wednesday of each month from 4 pm – 5 pm EST. Here are the details about SpiceChat.

I am here to learn to be adventurous with it. – @mom4everandever                                              

I have to admit I have yet to use fennel seeds but want to. -@JoeyinSC

I haven’t really met a spice I don’t like yet. lol  - @JoeyinSC

SpiceChat Prize Winners

Congratulations to the four lucky people who were randomly selected to win prizes during SpiceChat! 

• @nuria_sm  & @diamondslady81
  won a SpiceCare Starter Kit from TableFare.
• @JoeyinSC & @SpiceBites
  won a special selection of spices from My Spice Sage, including fennel seeds, of course!

Fennel Tips & Facts!

• Fennel is an Herb (fronds), Spice (fruit or seeds) and a vegetable (bulb).  
• Fennel seeds and fennel bulb come from different varieties of fennel plant.
• Fennel Seeds are oval shaped with ridges and range in color from green to brown.
• Fennel is a hardy perennial plant in the parsley family native to the Mediterranean region.
• The name fennel comes from the Roman word meaning “fragrant hay.”
• Indian fennel seed grown in Lucknow has a much sweeter & stronger licorice flavor than other fennel seeds.  
• Fennel seeds are perhaps one of the most used spices in Italian sausage and salami.  

Questions posed

Wondering how long fennel seeds keep for? I have some pretty old ones sitting around. – @VeggieLow

Whole fennel seed keep well for up to 2 years if stored airtight & away from light. Once ground, 1 year tops.  – @TableFare

If you want you can buy the seeds whole & grind as needed!  - @MySpiceSage

Do you grind them with spice grinder? – @SimplyImprssve

You can use a Spice Grinder or a Mortar & Pestle for more control for grinding the Fennel Seeds!  – @MySpiceSage

Does one work better than the other?  (ground vs. seeds)  – @rlee1950

Ground and whole seeds are both good. It depends on the look & texture you want in your dish.  – @TableFare

Which part of the plant do the seeds come from?  – @Unkatchable73

The seeds are actually berries that grow on the umbles, or flower heads. – @TableFare

Has anyone ever grown fennel? I am wondering if it is hard to grow? – @Unkatchable73

Fennel is super easy to grow here in Seattle.  It’s something of a weed.  – @fourchickens

The fennel plant is pretty too.  - @SpiceBites

Agree, it is beautiful in the garden – especially w/ the bronze fronds. – @LynnATL

Here’s some advice on growing fennel from Your Organic Gardening Blog. Fennel does inhibit the growth of some plants and it will cross polinate with others, so a carefully selected location is important. – @TableFare

Fennel or weed? About to start seeds and found a few of these (http://plixi.com/p/90079444)!  – @thedailypalette

Smell them. Fennel will smell good. Weeds won’t – just guessing though – @Soma_R

D’oh! Of course! – @thedailypalette

Any Indian cuisine to use with fennel seeds?  – @jasonrantz

For Indian Cuisine definitely visit Monica Bhide for fabulous Indian Cuisine!  - @MySpiceSage

Curry is good w/ fennel I’ve know some that used fennel in egg curry  - @WildOrchids09

Here’s a creamy chicken curry recipe from Indian Cooking Made Easy. – @TableFare

A Conversation About Fennel Seeds

We started with dessert first this time because it was the birthday of @BlogWellDone, and when I hear birthday, I bake cake; an Olive Oil Cornmeal cake with fennel kumquat marmalade & Honey Orange Mascarpne Icing to be exact.

Kumquat Fennel Seed Cornmeal Cake with Honey Mascarpone Icing & Almond Fennel Seed Brittle

@BlogWellDone Happy birthday. I baked you a cake, a fennel cake! Enjoy! – @TableFare

How do you use fennel seed in baked goods & other sweets?

I’ve used fennel seeds in tea cake/breads, paired with scented geraniums in the batter or lining the pan.  - @BonneVivante

One of my favorite fennel seed uses is in cake. Here is a recipe for Caraway Seed Cake, replace w fennel – @ModernFarmette   

Fennel Seed Bread….I’ve seen recipes for it, but honestly have never made it. – @Unkatchable73

In breads mainly. – @mom4everandever

Love fennel seeds in breads. – @nuria_sm

What a combo! Hazelnut, Fig, Fennel Seed & Rosemary Bread – @MySpiceSage    

Banana Bread

  I love spices in my banana bread including fennel seed. – @TableFare

I have a weakness for banana bread myself. – @diamondslady812

Ohhh we love banana bread. – @back2scratch

Would it make it too spicy for my toddler though? (I’ve never eaten fennel!)  - @MamanADroit

@MamanADriot – no, fennel seed has no heat. – @TableFare

Fennel in carrot cake = yummy, but try it with chocolate, too!  - @todaysnest

Or how about in a chocolate carrot cake?? That’s our favorite kind of cake, but haven’t tried fennel in it  - @MamanADroit

@MarthaStewart has a twist on zucchini bread, using pistachios & fennel seeds! – @MySpiceSage

Fennel is great with shortbread cookies – @spiceysouth

Sounds awesome – @SimplyImprssve

Sounds good. I love shortbread cookies!  - @JoeyinSC

The sweetness of fennel seeds is nice in butter cookies & biscotti – @TableFare

Biscotti I can already taste that!  - @Unkatchable73

Fennel in almond biscotti. Pure. simple. Love it.  - @SpiceSherpa

 Yum. – @ JoeyinSC

David Jeffries Kitchens makes lemon scented almond biscotti with fennel seeds that are amazing!  - @poodle_power

Love that! – @SpiceSherpa

@FC_Evan you need to try DJK’s biscotti, they also have this cinnamon pistachio that I adore, they are buttery & crunchy, so good.  - @poodle_power

These Spiced Chocolate Chip Cookies sound like my kind of cookie!   - @MySpiceSage

            Have to bake them! – @nuria_sm

Pizzelles traditionally flavored with anise seed or fennel seed. – @MySpiceSage   

I like chocolate pudding w/ fennel Yum!   - @WildOrchids09

How about toasted fennel seeds in apple pie? Never tried it but sounds really good.  - @SpiceSherpa

Ooh, a touch of fennel in apple pie sounds yummy.   - @SpiceBites

Fennel seed is great w apples, try adding ½ tsp to your next apple pie with the regular spices used.  - @TableFare

Let’s try it in the crust! – @nuria_sm

I think fennel seeds really make this cheese straw recipe sing… that, and the apples! – @FC_Denise   

I agree! Fennel + apples equal YUM! – @WildOrchids09

Orange Fennel Caramel Corn with Pistachio Nuts

  I love whole fennel seeds, this Orange Fennel Caramel Corn w Pistachios is great. – @TableFare   

I like fennel seeds (sugar coated) after an Indian meal.  - @KyraTX

Fennel Seed & Orange Cupcakes by @stephcookie uses colorful candied fennel seeds as a garnish – @MySpiceSage

@choicemorsel shared a little research she did on the candy covered fennel seeds called mukhwas – @TableFare   

I love Mukhwas! – @choicemorsel

Anyone ever tried caramelizes fennel on desserts? That’s so good too!   - @WildOrchids09

never used it for sweets…only savory dishes. can’t wait to try it  - @SimplyImprssve

What three words would you use to describe the taste & aroma of fennel seed?  

 Sweet, licorice like, warm smell – @Unkatchable73

Licorice- chicory – @diamondslady812

Italian, earthy, yum – @SimplyImprssve

Licorice, hearty and earthy – @rlee1950

Fresh, slightly bitter, delicate – @TableFare

Licorice like, Anise like, Sweet & Savory!  - @MySpiceSage

The range of flavor from sweet to bitter makes fennel seed perfect in both sweet & savory foods.   - @TableFare

I love sweet foods w/savory ingredients, like olive oil or fennel seeds  - @FC_Evan

The sweet/savory combination is great. Fun in reverse too. Savory foods w/ a traditionally sweet spice.  - @SpiceSherpa

Sweet, aromatic, yummy – @mom4everandever

agree – @spiceysouth

Black licorice – like Good and Plenty candies.  - @KyraTX

Mild, crunchy & fibery-if that’s a word. LOL    - @WildOrchids09

Savory, anise-y, aromatic……..perfection.  - @ModernFarmette

Anise-like, fresh and delicate!  - @valentinavitols

  How do you use fennel seeds with meat and poultry?

I make Italian Wedding soup with fennel in the meatballs, I am wondering if the seeds or even ground would flavor the soup  - @Unkatchable7

Fennel seeds in the Italian wedding soup as well as the meatballs would be good!  - @TableFare

I am going to try some in the meatballs for Italian wedding soup.  - @Unkatchable73

This Mushroom-St-Thomas sounds good, it is on my to cook list. Has fennel seeds – @Unkatchable 73

This Tomato Sausage & Fennel Seed Ragu w Gnocchi screams comfort food!  - @TableFare

When making Italian sausage or any type of meatloaf… turkey or beef, even pork. – @Unkatchable73

I like to add them to ground beef to taste like Italian sausage. – @SimplyImprssve

We put fennel in everything that we want to taste like sausage. Including sausage.  - @ModernFarmette

Italian Meatloaf  - @spiceysouth

I add to turkey meat loaf and burgers sometimes. – @mom4everandever

Here’s a Double Fennel Turkey Meatloaf Wrapped in Bacon! So good!  - @FC_Denise  

Simple rub for a flavorful crust on meat or fish. Mix fennel, coriander, black pepper and salt.  - @MySpiceSage

I like using fennel with roast pork.  - @KyraTX

I do a pork rub with fennel cumin sage salt pepper and olive oil.  - @diamondslady812

Love fennel. My favorite recipe is a Roasted Fennel Rub. – @mbhide

Meat dishes…hmmm… Pork definitely.   With a citrus-y fennel sauce combo of some sort. – @SpiceSherpa

I like to rub fennel seeds and salt flakes onto the skin of a piece of belly pork and slow roast.  - @dudara

I’m excited to try some of these pork roast ideas-we tend to do pork in the crock pot about once a week!  - @MamanADroit

The pork chop at The Little Owl in NYC is an amazing use of fennel seeds. no recipe, though  - @FC_Evan

I agree. So good! I do a pork rub with fennel cumin sage salt pepper and olive oil – not the same, but still good.  - @YouCanCookThis

I love a good pork sandwich… and I am going to try that turkey meatloaf wrapped in bacon recipe – @Unkatchable73

I like fennel added to beef stew.  - @WildOrchids09

Top Chef fans, @MikeIsabellaDC s famous Pepperoni Sauce includes fennel seeds! – @TableFare

I made this and it was so good I could have eaten it like a soup! – @TableFare

As far as I am concerned, the best use of fennel is in Jasper’s Restaurant’s spaghetti sauce.  - @BlogWellDone

They have the recipe in their Jasper’s Kitchen Cookbook. 2 Tbsp fennel seeds, yum! - @TableFare

Yes!  Fennel in spaghetti sauce is awesome.  - @fourchickens

I’ll second that. – @beloved_green

I agree I like to put a saucy spin or red sauces too!  - @WildOrchids09

We add a bit of toasted fennel seed (just a touch) to our meatballs along w/ raisins and pine nuts. Served with classic marinara.  - @SpiceSherpa

Raisins in meatballs? I haven’t heard of that, but always have fennel in mine from the sausage – @poodle_power

It’s very Sicilian to add raisins to meatballs. I don’t do that, but I always lobby for fennel seeds  - @FC_Evan

Pretty Venetian too – that Moorish influence. Never tried it in meatballs though. Sounds delicious!  - @YouCanCookThis

Sounds really interesting though, I may have to try that, I love pinenuts too. Do you use a panade?  - @poodle_power

No…dried chunks of stale bread soaked in water and beat egg. Nothing fancy.  - @SpiceSherpa

Strange I know—passed along from my Italian grandmother. Said it was a Southern Italian style.  - @SpiceSherpa

My two favorites are both Italian dishes. Passed along from my grandmother.  - @SpiceSherpa

Those are the best recipes, the ones passed down – @JoeyinSC

Recipes inherited from grandmothers are the best  - @SpiceBites

I had her write them down as best she could. Now I have them in her handwriting. Very special.  - @SpiceSherpa

I love to add fennel seeds to meatballs, and bologneise sauce. Takes it in an Italian sausage direction.  - @YouCanCookThis

love doing this. My family doesn’t  - @FC_Evan

i make smaller meatballs- not huge- a ton at once and freeze for further use  - @mom4everandever

It tastes good in turkey meatballs  - @mom4everandever

I use it as a garnish, a rub, and also in my marinades for meat. – @diamondslady812

As a marinade or mixed into the hamburger.  - @rlee1950

I want to make this, Fennel Garlic Grilled Chicken Legs from @food52 – @MySpiceSage   

Chinese five spice powder (fennel, star anise, Sichuan pepper, clove, cinnamon) great with pork & duck. – @TableFare    

Here’s a Five Spice Duck recipe from Chef Tom Douglas

I love Chinese Five Spice Powder. Add it to my fried rice.  - @SpiceBites

I like it in homemade pizza crust – @mom4everandever

I need to try fennel seeds in pizza crust…what a great idea.  - @nuria_sm

Sounds perfect. Any tips on how/when to add them while making the dough? – @valentinavitols

Whole – @mom4everandever

I have a great quiche with sausage and fennel with sliced tomato on top, its gorgeous & delicious!   - @poodle_power

Is that fennel bulb or seeds? – @SimplyImprssve

It’s the seeds  - @poodle_power

We made a vegetarian version of a sausage quiche. Used fennel in spice mix. Worked great to create the needed flavor.  - @SpiceSherpa

If you buy canned soup and need flavor try some fennel. – @mom4everandever

I make cheese filled pasta and add it to the cheese mix  - @mom4everandever

I love that idea! With a porky ragu on top @FC_Evan

I put crushed fennel in whole wheat pasta we make though- figure seeds would be too much.  - @mom4everandever

I love caramelized fennel in a cream sauce over my pasta! – @Love2Sail

What about ground fennel in ricotta mix for lasagna? Anyone ever tried or made?  - @Unkatchable73

How could that not be good? – @TableFare

I always put fennel in my lasagna, but usually in the sauce. It’s not the same without it.  - @todaysnest

Fish is a classic pairing for fennel seeds, what are your favorite recipes?

I’ve only used fennel with pork, chicken, and beef. Hopefully I’ll learn how to use it with fish today – @diamondslady812

I think it pairs well w/ white fish – @WildOrchids09

Fennel is great with Halibut. – @spiceysouth

I prefer the bulb w/ white fish.  - @SpiceSherpa

I like caramelized fennel w/ orange flavored white fish  - @WildOrchids09

Is that the bulb or the seeds? Carmelized fennel sounds like a dreamy summer meal.  - @SpiceSherpa

I like fennel bulbs w/ white fish I agree caramelized fennel is great in the summer     - @WildOrchids09

TableFare Spice Rub has fennel seeds & is a great seasoning for fish.  - @TableFare

Fennel Seed Thyme Spice Rub use on fish, chicken, pork & these grilled shrimp – @TableFare  

Fennel butter (for fish, steak, pork) 2tsp crushed fennel, 2tbsp butter 1tsp shallot. Mix, chill, cut into disks.  - @YouCanCookThis

Fennel Butter to put on Clams !!  - @Unkatchable73

Fennel butter is great on clams on the grill  - @Unkatcha

Ooh yes, and oysters too. – @YouCanCookThis

We have @FineCooking to thank for this beauty! Olive Oil Poached Halibut with Fennel Seeds & Saffron  – @TableFare   

Have you ever made Gravlax? Here’s a classic use for fennel seeds from the New York Times. – @MySpiceSage

I always throw fennel seeds in my poaching liquid for salmon or shrimp  - @poodle_power

I put them in a tea ball and infused flavor into my cioppino.  - @SimplyImprssve

Simmer 11/2 cups white wine, sliced carrot, sliced shallot, 2 cloves garlic, 5 peppercorns 1/2 tsp salt & crushed fennel seed. Cool. Marinate fish. – @TableFare

I like fennel with Italian food & meats, though some of these fish dishes sound interesting – @SpiceBites

I agree some of the fish dishes do sound very interesting  - @Unkatchable73

I also like to add fennel to my vegetarian dishes for a bit of zip, esp. with cabbage or daikon radish.  - @SpiceBites

What kinds of vegetables & side dishes do you make with fennel seeds?

Dinosaur Kale Salad with Meyer Lemon and Fennel Seed

Dinosaur Kale Salad with Meyer Lemon Fennel Seed Vinaigrette & Garlic Chips – @TableFare

Cheat’s Italian (no-)sausage and peppers; fried onions and peppers, fennel seeds (no actual sausage) served on a sub  - @YouCanCookThis

Oh I do that with peppers and onions too  - @mom4everandever

Fried red pepper and onions with fennel seeds. Lovely.  - @YouCanCookThis

Sautee onions & peppers add fennel seeds & serve over pasta.  - @MySpiceSage

I wonder how seitan sausage would be with fennel…probably a lot like regular sausage if we add sage.  - @BlogWellDone

Roast squash w garlic cloves fennel seed salt & pepper. Drizzle w olive oil & lemon before – @MySpiceSage

I want to try it on squash this summer.  - @mom4everandever

The squash recipe sounds yum!  - @SpiceBites

Fennel seeds are an awesome addition to pickling liquid for onions  - @FC_Evan

….which you can then use for pork sandwiches, or an addition to steak salads! (re-pickled onions with fennel seeds)  - @FC_Evan

Really, pickling??  - @Unkatchable73

And how about Pickled Ramps? – @TableFare   

What are pickled ramps  - @diamondslady812

Pickled ramps? – @4evamamii

I am learning so much! I thought I knew ALOT about food, but have never heard of “ramps” wow  - @JoeyinSC

Ooooh..What’s a ramp?  - @craftsbykatie

If you’ve been missing out on ramps?! Hit a farmer’s market. Now’s the season.  - @TableFare

Marinate feta with toasted fennel & sesame seeds lemon zest & juice & good olive oil  - @MySpiceSage

Oh, yes!  I have a recipe for feta cheese + marinated olives baked together.  Includes fennel. Yum!  - @fourchickens

I have done the olive oil and seeds as a marinate.  - @mom4everandever

I like seeds in olive oil as a light dressing-  just a sprinkle over spinach salad  - @mom4everandever

@FC_Evan Have you tired this @Finecooking recipe? Looks great. Zesty Lemon Olives with fennel seeds? – @TableFare     

I haven’t! It was before my time at @finecooking. I HAVE had these, Warm Marinated Olives. – @FC_Evan   

I love fennel seeds with glazed carrots!  - @poodle_power

Carrots with Fennel Seeds Oregano & Mint makes a quick & flavor packed side dish. – @MySpiceSage

Grated carrots & daikon radish sautéed with fennel seeds & nigella seeds. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chives.  - @SpiceBites

Yes, yes…I forgot about carrots and fennel. So perfect together.  - @SpiceSherpa

We have a Carrot & Fennel Club shaping up! – @MySpiceSage

Let’s hear it for Carrots & Fennel Seeds!  - @MySpiceSage z

love carrots! – @4evamamii

I LOVE carrots!!  - @JoeyinSC

I like it with carrots also. – @diamondslady812

Here here! @MySpiceSage Let’s hear it for Carrots & Fennel Seeds!  - @beloved_green

With potatoes and carrots. Fennel and coriander love each other.  - @todaysnest

Yes they do go well together.  - @diamondslady812

Agreeing with the carrot crowd! + sweet potatoes, parsnips, olive oil and fennel seeds, roasted.  - @YouCanCookThis

I like roasted veggies with fennel like potatoes carrots onions etc.   - @WildOrchids09

I like fennel with zucchini and carrots.  - @beloved_green

Carrot & fennel fans, this Citrus Herb Butter with fennel seed would be nice on sautéed carrots – @TableFare   

Artichokes in olive oil, squeeze of lemon, scattering of toasted fennel seeds  - @YouCanCookThis

Pasta Sauce.. I guess you could consider it a veggie dish if you make it meatless  - @Unkatchable73

A dusting of fennel pollen or powered fennel seed is also a nice touch on risotto, rice dishes and arancini. - @LynnATL

lettuce!  - @4evamamii

I have taken tomatoes sprinkled some on topped with cheese and broiled for a snack  - @mom4everandever

Only used in tomato dishes. – @SimplyImprssve

I love fennel and tomatoes. This Cauliflower with Tomato Rosemary & Fennel Seeds looks good. – @TableFare    

I love roasted cauliflower with fennel seeds. Might have to add some tomatoes next time!  - @YouCanCookThis

A Garden sauté… all kinds of veggies sautéed, add fennel seeds for taste. – @Unkatchable73

You guys have me thinking about dinner…I think Sweet Potato Hashbrowns with Fennel.  - @SpiceBites

I sprinkle fennel seeds on garlic bread while baking – @spiceysouth

Fennel seeds are a nice garnish for crackers & bread. Grilled Lemon and Herb Flatbread – @MySpiceSage

I use herbs and spices in the place of salt  - @diamondslady812

What sorts of beverages use fennel seeds?

Fennel tea. – @mom4everandever, @Unkatchable73, @diamondslady812, @rlee1950, @4evamamii

I have seen it with lemon and mint  - @mom4everandever

I have a memory of drinking gallons of fennel tea for breastfeeding. Supposed to increase production.  - @fourchickens

Is fennel tea tasty? – @TableFare

Yes, fennel tea tastes like maple syrup (oddly enough).  - @fourchickens

What ratio did you use for fennel tea?  - @TableFare

You just steep some seeds in hot water for several minutes.  Then strain the seeds.  - @fourchickens

Other than food, I also drink it in absinthe  - @Dantomato

Love this Homemade Aquavit from @FineCooking. It would make a great gift!  - @TableFare

Anisette! Add a shot of it to espresso for an after dinner digestif.  - @SpiceSherpa

I remember fennel seeds being added to a digestive of several spices combined for after the meal.  - @SpiceSherpa

Digestive Tisane: 1 tsp fennel seed, peppermint, chamomile flower, lemon balm steeped in 1 pint boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. – @MySpiceSage

Thinking on the fly here–a fennel ginger syrup would certainly open some beverage possibilities.  - @SpiceSherpa

Does anyone have a chai recipe using fennel seeds?  - @TableFare

Chai is the only kind of tea I like (but I have no clue how to make it!)  - @MamanADroit

Love chai- never made it either  - @mom4everandever

Here’s a recipe for chai.  - @TableFare

Also @MySpiceSate sells a spice blend called Tea Masala for making chai. -@TableFare

I use fennel in some of my pre-workout veggie smoothies: apple, grape, ginger, spinach, fennel, celery etc. – @beloved_green

What about health benefits, lore, and fennel seed miscellanea?   

Henry Longfellow’s poem, The Goblet of Life, has a beautiful description of fennel. – @TableFare   

…With fennel is it wreathed and crowned,
Whose seed and foliage sun-imbrowned
Are in its waters steeped and drowned,
   And give a bitter taste. 
Above the lowly plants it towers,
The fennel, with its yellow flowers,
And in an earlier age than ours
Was gifted with the wondrous powers,
   Lost vision to restore. 
It gave new strength, and fearless mood;
And gladiators, fierce and rude,
Mingled it in their daily food;
And he who battled and subdued,
   A wreath of fennel wore…

I love that poem. Beautiful.  - @YouCanCookThis

Thank you for the poem! For National Poetry Month (April) I’m reading food poems – @SpiceBites

Fennel apparently increases milk supply! (I was researching its safety while breastfeeding).  - @MamanADroit

So these delicious recipes everyone is sharing would be perfect to bring a new mom!  - @MamanADroit

They help settle your stomach too! Very useful if you’ve just over indulged in spicy food.  - @KyraTX

Fennel is more than just a spice. It’s also healthy for your digestion, blood pressure and overall well being. – @SeasonalWisdom http://ow.ly/4uI6E

Fennel Seeds are chewed after a meal to serve as a digestive aid & as breath mints!  - @MySpiceSage

The seeds are mixed with other spices and chewed after meals. The combo is offered in some Indian restaurants.  - @SpiceSherpa

Treats anemia, indigestion, constipation.  - @Unkatchable73

I think it’s supposed to help with anemia   - @poodle_power

Eyesight and libido is what I have heard.  - @diamondslady812

Eyesight, anemia, constipation.  - @mom4everandever

They contain natural expectorants that may help to reduce the symptoms of congestion and – @MySpiceSage

Here’s one. Fennel is supposed to free one from “loathings.” Well, there you go. LOL.  - @SpiceSherpa

The Romans thought it was good for your eyesight.  - @YouCanCookThis

I’ve heard that fennel can be good for eye sight.  - @craftsbykatie

Greek mythology claims Prometheus used the stalk of a fennel plant to steal fire from the gods.  - @TableFare

Ancient Greeks and Romans considered fennel a symbol of wealth and good health.  - @MySpiceSage

Fennel: “believed by ancient scholars to be among the 9 sacred herbs that could cure the 9 causes of disease.” Interesting…   - @SpiceSherpa

Ancient Europeans considered fennel a sacred herb. Seeds used to ease coughs & stop – @MySpiceSage

Bath infusion: 3 parts lemon verbena, 2parts rosemary, 2 parts fennel seed. Tie in cheese cloth or toe of stocking & soak in bath.  - @TableFare

Any fans of Tom’s of Main fennel flavored toothpaste?  - @TableFare

Yes, I’ve tried that Tom’s of Main toothpaste!    - @WildOrchids09

I love Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste.  - @Unkatchable73

I’ve never heard of fennel tooth paste.  - @cwilson82985

Wow fennel is truly versatile!  - @JoeyinSC

Have learned a few new things  - @diamondslady812

Additional Fennel Seed Reading

Next SpiceChat

There seemed to be an impromptu love-fest going on for caraway seeds during the chat, so we took that as a hint. Yes, next month’s topic will be caraway seeds! Start gathering your favorite recipes and cooking up some experiments to share.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday May 4th at 4 p.m. EST and join us for Caraway Seed SpiceChat! Don’t forget you can always join the conversation on TableFare’s and MySpiceSage’s Facebook pages if you can’t make the live chat. If you write a blog post featuring caraway seeds, let us know, we’d love to include it in the recap.

 I love caraway seeds!!  - @JoeyinSC

Don’t get me started. they’re favs. – @SimplyImprssve

Ditto. - @FC_Denise

@FC_Denise Caraway seeds heighten a red chile oil for grilled chicken breasts.  - @FC_Denise

Past SpiceChats

Coriander SpiceChat Recap

Cinnamon SpiceChat Recap

Our second #SpiceChat was a fun, informative, fast-paced Twitter success! Thanks to everyone for participating. As much as Wendy (@MySpiceSage) and I (Carol @TableFare) try to keep up with all the comments and input, they fly by so quickly we never catch it all, so we are keen on recapping what went down to ensure every morsel is savored.

Coriander Seed

Much to our delight Monica Bhide joined us again this month. Her expertise of spices and Indian cuisine certainly bring a lot to the conversation. She has published three books on Indian cookery: Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen, Everything Indian Cookbook, and The Spice is Right. Most recently she’s developed a way for all you iPhone users to have a wealth of spice knowledge at your fingertips with the iSpice App!

Here’s a taste of what she had to say about coriander during the chat:

• I adore cooking with coriander. One of my favorite spices.  – @mbhide
• My advice with coriander is to grind it fresh before you use it. Don’t buy pre-ground. It does not taste the same.  - @mbhide
• An old gardener I knew said that coriander seeds are shameless – you have to pound them to extract the flavor – @mbhide

New Bloggy Twist for April’s #SpiceChat

Just as #SpiceChat was wrapping up this tweet showed up. Rats…is   over?  Stupid lousy, rotten, no good day. - @BlogWellDone, which led to a rather entertaining exchange.

The next #SpiceChat is April 6 4-5 pm EST, talking fennel seeds. – @TableFare

Sweet, the next is my birthday. – @BlogWellDone

Maybe we should make fennel b-day cakes, not to be confused with funnel cakes. – @TableFare

Or to mess everyone up… fennel funnel cakes   - @BlogWellDone

Fennel birthday cake for everyone! – @KyraTX

Virtual birthday cake seems kind of mean – @TableFare

Virtual cake is never meant to be mean! – @KyraTX

I would be honored by a virtual birthday cake. – @BlogWellDone

Consider it done! – @TableFare

Now I have a month to do some experimenting and come up with a fennel birthday cake in honor of @BlogWellDone. I plan to post it on my blog the day of the chat so I can share it with everyone, which got me thinking that other SpiceChatterers (that’s you!) with blogs might like to write about their experiences exploring fennel seeds as well.

Conversations in 140 character bites are fun, but I’d love to have a deeper peek into your food world and read your stories about cooking with fennel seeds. Incorporating blogs also gives those who can’t make it to the chat an opportunity to participate. If you don’t have a blog, you can also share your fennel seed experiences, questions, observations and recipes on the My Spice Sage and TableFare Facebook pages. I will incorporate the blog links, Facebook comments, and Twitter #SpiceChat dialogue into the monthly recap so we have an even richer resource for inspiration and information about the spice of the month.

Dive into fennel for the rest of March and get ready to tell us all about it on April 6^th. If you can’t make it to the live #SpiceChat, be sure to tweet your blog post link using #SpiceChat, or post it to our Facebook pages so it can be included in the recap.

#SpiceChat Prize Winners

Congratulations to the four lucky people who were randomly selected to win prizes during SpiceChat! 

• @lafingal  & @mom4everandever
  won a SpiceCare Starter Kit from TableFare.
• @KyraTX & @Unkatchable73
  won a special selection of spices from My Spice Sage, including coriander, of course!

Both Ends of the Coriander Spectrum

Coriander was a less familiar spice for some compared to last month’s universally popular cinnamon. Wendy and I are thrilled that SpiceChat has inspired many of you to add coriander seeds to your spice collection and explore new ways to cook with it.

Indian coriander

Coriander is one spice I would like to learn more about. – @ WildOrchids09, @unkatchable73, @sunrae17

After the discussion @sunrae17 discovered, “i do use coriander!!!!   yipeee!!!”

I don’t know much about coriander.  Can’t wait to learn. – @ SimplyImprssve

I have never used coriander, but I Googled it.  Would love to learn about it! – @4evamamii

With the huge collection of spices I have…no coriander. – @SimplyImprssve

I’ve never used the coriander. Not real familiar with it. Love using spices so I can add it now.  - @SereneMoments

Looking forward to this because I rarely cook with coriander… I am always looking to try new things! – @familyfoodie

Many of us were right with @TheSpicedLife and @mbhide and agree coriander is one of most used and most loved spices in our collections.

Coriander is one of my most used spices, after cumin. – @TheSpicedLife

Questions Posed

Where can I buy coriander? I don’t see it at my local grocery store! – @4evamamii

                You can find coriander at MySpiceSage.com!

Are coriander and cilantro similar or is it just people ‘not knowing’? – @ SereneMoments

Cilantro is the leafy part of the plant & an herb! The seeds of the cilantro plant are coriander seeds. Confusing! – @MySpiceSage  

Here is my article on cilantro. – @mbhide    

Just to make it even more confusing in many countries the herb is also called coriander, so if a recipe calls for coriander, you may need to rely on the context to determine if it’s coriander seed or the fresh leafy herb that is being used.

So does the leafy part (cilantro) taste like the seed part of the plant (coriander) – @SimplyImprssve

No, they each have a very distinct taste. – @TableFare

If coriander is similar to cilantro then I heat it w/ raw vegetables in the skillet? – @WildOrchids09

Coriander seed (whole or ground) can be added to a dish at the beginning of cooking or at the end. Fresh cilantro leaves should be added to hot dishes just before serving rather than cooked with the ingredients. Treat fresh cilantro leaves the same way you would fresh basil or parsley.

Is there a colorful spice chart i can order and frame- or one i can print    – @mom4everandever

Check Allposters.com they have tons of posters of foods. - @jmfield

Allposters has loads of beautiful art prints of spices, but if you are looking for more of a reference chart here is a collection of spice charts on Google.

There are some wonderful books if you’re interested in a more in-depth reference guide to spices. Here are a few of my favorites.  The Field Guide to Herbs and Spices is another good book.

When should we choose seeds over ground coriander? and do you have to toast the seeds before use? - @SimplyImprssve

Whole seeds are preferable for infusions like mulled wine, spiced cider, pickling liquid, vodka, etc…because ground spice will cloud the liquid. Beyond that it’s personal preference. I like the texture and burst of flavor from biting into a whole coriander seed in a dish.  Whereas roughly crushed seeds are ideal for crust-coating meats and fish. If the texture of the seeds would be off-putting or distracting in a dish, ground coriander is the way to go.

Toasting spices just adds a different flavor, it’s not required. Try toasting  some whole coriander seeds in a dry skillet over a medium-low heat until they turn a shade or two darker. You can also do this with cumin seeds or sesame seeds if you don’t have coriander seeds. Then taste an untoasted seed followed by a toasted seed and you will understand the toasting dynamic and how it alters the flavor of the spice. Think about it like bread. The difference in flavor between a piece of fresh bread and a piece of toasted bread is similar to toasted and untoasted spices. I use coriander both ways. When I want a brighter fresher flavor I leave it untoasted, but when I want a warmer, deeper, roasty flavor I toast it.

Is coriander similar to sesame seeds? Or is that a different plant/seed family?   - @WildOrchids09

Sesame more nutty, coriander more perfumey (if that even makes sense)!    - @jmfield

Does any spice turn lethal when out of date – @mom4everandever

When spices are out of date, they just lose their flavor & aroma!  - @MySpiceSage

 Coriander Tips!

• Coriander has a high volatile oil content so you get the best flavor buying it whole & grinding as needed.

Grind it fresh or the flavor is buried.   - @SpiceSherpa

I toast before using to bring out the essential oils & deepen the flavor, grind as needed in coffee mill.   - @jmfield

@balarneson likes the texture of barely crushed (w hands) coriander in stuff. Meaning to try but haven’t yet – @TheSpicedLife

I have never seen it whole – @mom4everandever

Of course, you can buy it online at My Spice Sage!

• Coriander comes from the plant Coriandrum sativum, a member of the Parsley family.
• Coriander is good at bringing the flavors of many spices together and is used in lots of spice blends.
• The herb cilantro is called coriander in many parts of the world, which can be cause for confusion.

I got into trouble for saying it is cilantro! – @mbhide

• Most of the Coriander sold in the United States comes from Canada.   

 …and ends up in my kitchen! – @lafingal

• Coriander is used in many different types of cuisine: Indian, Middle Eastern, North African, North American & European.
•  Store dried spices in the freezer or in a cool dark place to preserve their flavor. – @YouCanCookThis

When storing spices in the freezer be careful to let them warm to room temperature before opening the container, otherwise you risk getting condensation in the container and moisture is definitely not good for spice longevity.

 A Conversation About Coriander

We seeded the conversation with a number of questions. Here’s the discussion that unfolded during the hour-long chat.

What three words would you use to describe coriander’s aroma & taste?

@mom4everandever commented that she’d like to pull out her coriander to smell and taste it, but doesn’t have any because she only replaces a spice if she has a need for it.  It’s an excellent approach! The longer spices sit around unused, especially if ground, the flavor intricacies are lost. It’s always best to buy small quantities frequently so you’re cooking with the full flavor spectrum a spice has to offer. 

Haven’t tried it but I think it would be: Unique, exhilarating and fun! – @WildOrchids09

You might have tried it without knowing – in a curry perhaps? – @YouCanCookThis

Slightly sweet, spicy and fresh – @chowandchatter

Across between lemon, orange and sage – @ MySpiceSage

Warm, citrus-y and sage-y – wow, it’s a hard flavor to describe. Can I add in earth-y too?  @YouCanCookThis

Mild, pleasant, citrus-like – @TableFare   

sugary, exotic, pungent – @artofthespa

The light flavor makes coriander great for both sweet & savory applications. – @TableFare   

Do you have particular Spices that you love to pair with Coriander?  

Cumin.  – @FC_Denise

I love using coriander and cumin as a dry spice rub. – @mbhide

Cumin is coriander’s match made in heaven. – @miladydwinter

Dhana jeera powder used in Indian cuisine blends coriander & cumin. I’ve seen 1:1 ratio and 4:1 Anyone have a diff ratio they use? – @TableFare

TableFare Spice Rub is a great all-purpose blend I use on meat, veggies, & eggs. – @TableFare  

I make garam masala with coriander – but you can buy it ready made. Mix with yogurt, slather on chicken, bake. – @YouCanCookThis

Most of the Indian masala blends include coriander. – @MySpiceSage    

Because it blends with just about everything, when in doubt, add coriander!  – @TableFare

I think of coriander as not exactly filler but a complimentary spice, not main start   - @TheSpicedLife

I like coriander and dried lemon zest. – @poodle_power   

It’s great with cinnamon and cumin to evoke a Moroccan flavor too. – @YouCanCookThis  

More suggestions to match w Coriander: Cumin, Fennel, Garlic, Mace, Pepper, Saffron and Turmeric! – @MySpiceSage

I love using Cumin, Garlic, Pepper… not sure on the others you listed. @SereneMoments

Stick with #SpiceChat and we’ll introduce you to all of those unfamiliar spices!

I like to use coriander and cilantro in the same dish (coriander at beg, cilantro at the end) since they’re from the same plant. – @jmfield

Ground coriander is a must to really layer the flavor into a food…in my opinion. – @SpiceSherpa

                Exactly – @TheSpicedLife

 What proteins do you like to season with coriander?    

Everything! Ask @lafinguy. – @lafingal

I want to say I’ve used coriander in a fajita recipe… I could be wrong . – @Unkatchable73

I’ve used it in chicken and pasta- is sweet. – @mom4everandever  

Because coriander is so mild, it can be used generously and makes a great crust on things. – @TableFare

Chicken and flank steak…yummy! – @4evamamii

I’ve had cilantro before I like it on lime chicken fajitas! – @WildOrchids09

Coriander Lime Grilled Chicken Legs on @Foodnetwork site looks tasty!  - @TableFare

Coriander is great with chicken, fish and ham. – @MySpiceSage

Chicken and beans. - @mom4everandever

Chicken in curries or tagines, salmon with a yogurt coriander marinade – nothing too delicate. It’s a robust taste. -@YouCanCookThis

Add a little ground coriander to hollandaise served with fish or eggs. Lovely. – @TableFare

The delicate flavor of coriander is nice with all styles of eggs. – @MySpiceSage

5 Minute Spanish Everything Sauce with coriander. It’s great to cook with protein or veggies – @SpiceSherpa

I like to use coriander and cumin in a Mexican pork chop dish. – @KyraTX  

Here is my favorite Indian style chili using coriander.  - @mbhide

Indian Style Chili by Monica Bhide

Cincinnati Chile, a popular dish in our cinnamon #SpiceChat also includes coriander. – @MySpiceSage

I mix it with mustard & ginger for Shrimp Skewers! – @TheTastetress

I made these Coriander Crusted Scallops from @bonappetit last week. Excellent! – @TableFare

Some interesting coriander recipes on allrecipes.com! – @SereneMoments

How do you use coriander seeds with vegetables?  

Coriander Potato Soup

Here’s an excellent Potato Coriander Soup by Chef Jerry Traunfeld. So easy to make. – @TableFare    

Try crushed coriander seeds on roasted potatoes, onions, & mushrooms. – @MySpiceSage

Speaking of potatoes, you can’t go wrong adding coriander to mashed potatoes either. – @TableFare

Love the idea of using it in SW potatoes!    - @jmfield

I bet it’d be good on the potato wedges we bake! – @MamanADroit

I love the crunchy texture of lightly crushed coriander seeds like in this potato recipe. – @MySpiceSage

Add 1 -2 tsp. ground coriander when cooking rice for a little twist. – @MySpiceSage   

I like coriander seeds on green beans (sautéed), cauliflower or potatoes (roasted or sautéed). – @TheSpicedLife

Any roasted winter root vegetable would love coriander. – @TableFare

I use more spices in summer with veggies than in winter. – @mom4everandever

I bet coriander would ROCK fennel. – @artofthespa

Roasted carrots with coriander are fabulous. Eat with roast chicken and lime spritz, or puree + stock +cream = soup. – @YouCanCookThis

I usually add it to most of my salad dressings like this Coriander Vinaigrette. – @TableFare

I had an amazing salad last night, roast carrot, orange, avocado, arugula with coriander dressing, so good! – @poodle_power

Coriander seeds are front and center in this eggplant pasta dish. – @TableFare 

Sautéed Aubergine with Coriander Seed

This chickpea & potato dish gets a lift from a generous amount of coriander seed. – @TableFare  

Coriander mixed with oregano and red chili pepper and some salt is awesome when mixed up with popcorn. – @SpiceSherpa

                Love spices on popcorn! – @TableFare

Do you use coriander seed in sweet dishes?    

Unbelievable recipe: Coriander Seed Ice Cream (Gelato di Crema) – @artofthespa

I have used it in making ice-cream and it is delicious   - @mbhide

I just made Coriander Toasted Almond Ice Cream today. – @TableFare

It’s a delicate addition to gingerbread!   - @SpiceSherpa

 That’s a good idea, never thought about using it on gingerbread!  - @WildOrchids09       

 Oh–I like that. And maybe in molasses cookies or gingersnaps, too! – @jmfield

Coriander is a welcome spice with many kinds of fruit including apples & citrus fruits. – @MySpiceSage

Not in many sweet dishes, but often with sweet things – in sweet potato puree, on duck glazed with marmalade.  - @YouCanCookThis

Wow, that’s cool you can eat coriander on fruit! Wonder if it would taste good on pomegranate?   - @WildOrchids09

A bit of ground coriander stirred into orange marmalade is an easy way to dress it up. – @MySpiceSage

These Coriander-Orange Scones by Chef Jerry Traunfeld are heavenly! – @TableFare

Coriander-Orange Scones

Coriander-infused panna cotta or even crème brule would be? Hmmm… – @jmfield

Add crushed coriander seed to crumb topping for apple crisp or apple pie. Ground coriander is great – @MySpiceSage

Coriander works well with Apples: Make some Wonderful Spiced Apple Butter. – @MySpiceSage

Having apple cake Sunday, may just have to try adding some coriander.  - @poodle_power

Anyone ever hear of comfits? Old-fashioned candies with a coriander seed in the middle?   - @SpiceSherpa

Comfits are confectionery consisting of dried fruits, nuts, seeds or spices coated with sugar candy. – @blueeyescasper

Fruit confit are candied fruit (whole or pieces) preserved in sugar. The fruit must be fully infused. – @blueeyescasper

Cool. Thanks for the detail on that. I just read about the coriander comfits and was fascinated.   - @SpiceSherpa

What sorts of beverages use coriander? 

I  wonder how coriander would pep up champagne?  - @artofthespa

Spiced champagne sorbet or granita sounds like it might be a good idea… 8D   - @jmfield

 I was just thinking it would make a good granita too LOL! Great minds think alike!  - @WildOrchids09

What kinds of drinks would you make with Coriander Cinnamon Infused Vodka? – @MySpiceSage

Add Coriander Cinnamon Infused Vodka to coffee or Baileys. – @artofthespa

A few more vodka infusion ideas including coriander vodka. – @MySpiceSage

Now that I’ve learned about coriander/apple love, maybe an appletini-type thing would be pretty yum! – @jmfield

Absolutely. It’s perfect with the citrus notes   - @SpiceSherpa

There’s the apple coriander connection.  I’ve just added Applejack to my fantasy coriander syrup cocktail.   - @SpiceSherpa

Wonder if you could make coriander syrup for cocktails? Contribute a sophisticated taste.  - @SpiceSherpa

Infused simple syrups are a bartender’s best friend! – @jmfield

The Coriandrum features coriander infused in an agave syrup and fired up with vodka. – @TableFare

Want to make your own absinthe? In addition to wormwood you’ll need spices including coriander.  - @TableFare

And let’s not forget coriander in beer–Witbier, esp.  Blue Moon probably most widely distributed. -  @jmfield 

Home brewers add coriander when going for that Blue Moon taste.  - @TableFare

Is there coriander in Blue Moon? – @Unkatchable73

Yes, and orange. Love that style of beer! – @jmfield

And gin! Someone had to mention gin for coriander!! I know someone concocting a gin themed cupcake. Influenced with spices   - @SpiceSherpa

Coriander is great in a spicy Bloody Mary.  - @YouCanCookThis

Rum, lime, sugar and fresh cilantro is a refreshing twist on a mojito.  - @YouCanCookThis

Coriander and cinnamon in mulled red wine.  - @KyraTX

Coriander seeds make a great addition to hot apple cider.  – @TableFare

I must try coriander in some of my #Spa water infusions.  Bet it would be good with orange & banana. – @artofthespa

To spice up water tie spices loosely in cheesecloth, mash w/mortar & pestle, insert into water glass = flavor not floaters   – @artofthespa

Here’s a twist on lemonade. – @TableFare                                               

I’m going to go drink a spicy V-8 with some fresh ground coriander sprinkled on top. – @SpiceSherpa

What health benefits do you associate with coriander?

Coriander is a #spa spice! Aids digestion, anti-inflammatory, protect against urinary tract infections, lower blood sugar. – @artofthespa 

Coriander has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce symptoms of arthritis.    - @MySpiceSage

Just read it might help to lower cholesterol. Interesting. – @jmfield

 It may lower bad cholesterol & increase good cholesterol. – @MySpiceSage

Coriander may lower blood sugar.   - @MySpiceSage

It might be heart healthy-little or no sodium.  - @WildOrchids09

Spices are a great way to cut sodium-add spice flavor instead. – @TableFare

That’s true plus spices are so flavorful Yum!    - @WildOrchids09

Coriander has iron, magnesium, manganese & fiber. – @MySpiceSage

Coriander is rich in phytonutrients! – @MySpiceSage

Coriander was used by the Ancient Romans & Greeks for medicinal purposes. – @TableFare

Coriander was mentioned in the Medicinal Papyrus of Thebes. Written in 1552 B.C. found in an Egyptian tomb. – @SpiceSherpa

It’s referenced in the Old Testament – manna is white like coriander seeds apparently. – @MySpiceSage

Pickles! Coriander is a classic pickling spice. Do you make pickles?  

Yes, I do. – @sunrae17

I use them in refrigerator pickles. – @jmfield

I always put some in my marinated cucumbers, along w/whole mustard. – @jmfield

I LOVE love love pickles!! would like to learn to make my own dill pickles. – @Unkatchable73

If anyone has a favorite reicpe or book on pickeling, please share it in the comments.

Our Pickling Spice includes coriander. – @MySpiceSage

Conclusions about Coriander  #SpiceChat

I am learning a lot about a spice I knew very little about until today – @Unkatchable73

I can never have enough spices….   - @Unkatchable73

I’ll have to eat coriander on EVERYTHING. This stuff is awesome!   - @SereneMoments

I had to create a folder in my bookmarks just for the recipes from today. I can’t wait to make some   - @Unkatchable73

This has been fun and informative  - @jmfield

Thanks. I learned a lot – @SimplyImprssve

Everyone contributed to make it another spicy, informative afternoon! We love you all!   - @MySpiceSage

Additional Coriander Reading

Consider Coriander- @MySpiceSage

Spice Library, Coriander - @TableFare

Cilantro- @mbhide

Next #SpiceChat

Please join the next #SpiceChat on Wednesday April 6th, 4 p.m. EST. We’ll be chatting about fennel seeds, so start gathering your favorite recipes, memories, thoughts and questions and join in the conversation!

Past #SpiceChats

Cinnamon #SpiceChat Recap