Category: Cooking spices

One tablespoon of dried basil provides about 43% of the daily value for vitamin K, proving that this convenient herb does indeed retain nutritional value after processing. But does dried basil have any health benefits beyond its vitamin content? Absolutely, and its condensed properties offer a simple way to boost your meals.

According to 2025 lab testing, a significant percentage of commercial spice blends contain detectable gluten due to cross-contamination. For those with celiac disease, this raises a crucial question: is Louisiana Cajun seasoning gluten free? The answer is not always straightforward and requires a closer look at manufacturing practices.

The aromatic compound eugenol has been used in dentistry as a topical anesthetic for centuries, with research also highlighting its potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This naturally occurring phenolic molecule is responsible for the distinct, spicy aroma found in several common kitchen herbs and spices, most notably cloves.

A single clove bud can contain 80-90% eugenol in its essential oil, making it one of nature's richest sources. This potent aromatic compound is also present in many common kitchen and medicinal herbs, lending them distinct flavors and therapeutic properties. Understanding which herbs contain eugenol can help you better appreciate and utilize their unique benefits.

Native to Southeast Asia, galangal is a rhizome used in many regional cuisines and traditional medicines. However, when shopping for this knobby root, you might notice that it goes by several different names, depending on the variety and location. Knowing these alternative names is key to finding the right flavor profile for your dish and understanding its cultural significance.

According to extensive testing by Monash University, the leading authority on FODMAP research, cinnamon is a low FODMAP spice when consumed in normal serving sizes. This means that individuals following a low FODMAP diet for managing conditions like IBS can typically enjoy its warm, sweet flavor without concern.

Native to Southeast Asia, both Curcuma (more commonly known as turmeric) and ginger belong to the same plant family, Zingiberaceae. Despite this common ancestry, the widespread question, "Are Curcuma and ginger the same thing?" can be definitively answered: no, they are not.

While commonly used in small amounts for cooking, large doses or medicinal use of asafoetida may cause side effects such as swelling of the lips, intestinal gas, and headaches. Known as hing, this potent spice is generally considered safe in typical culinary quantities, but certain individuals and situations require caution.

According to the USDA FoodData Central database, a single tablespoon of pure onion powder contains approximately 1.5–2.2g net carbs. This makes it a powerful and flavorful tool for those asking, "Can I have onion powder on a keto diet?", provided it's used correctly.