1 of 11
Filé powder is a spice used in some types of gumbo. It is made from the dried and ground leaves of what tree?
2 of 11
Charnushka, the dried seed of the Nigella sativa flower, goes by quite a few names. Which of these is a common synonym for this staple of everything from rye bread to Lebanese cuisine?
ANSWER: It also goes by the name black sesame, onion seed, black caraway, and Roman coriander. It also goes by the name black sesame, onion seed, black caraway, and Roman coriander.
3 of 11
The Mexican spice blend recado rojo, or achiote paste, takes its red color from what ingredient?
4 of 11
Zedoary root first came to the West during the sixth century, but today its use has all but disappeared. What other spice replaced it?
ANSWER: Zedoary root is said to taste like ginger, but its aftertaste is much more bitter. The ground root is still used in certain Indonesian curry dishes. Zedoary root is said to taste like ginger, but its aftertaste is much more bitter. The ground root is still used in certain Indonesian curry dishes.
5 of 11
Orris root, a component of some gins and many perfumes, comes from what type of plant?
ANSWER: The fragrant root actually smells like violets and was sometimes used by old-time saloonkeepers to make raspberry syrups. The fragrant root actually smells like violets and was sometimes used by old-time saloonkeepers to make raspberry syrups.
6 of 11
Ajwain seeds (also known as “ajowan”) are used in Indian cuisine. What other herb do these seeds smell and taste like?
ANSWER: The seeds contain thymol, the essential oil that’s found in thyme, is also present in ajwain seeds. Dry roasted ajwain seeds are also said to have a flavor reminiscent of caraway. The seeds contain thymol, the essential oil that’s found in thyme, is also present in ajwain seeds. Dry roasted ajwain seeds are also said to have a flavor reminiscent of caraway.
7 of 11
Grains of Selim are used as a substitute for what other spice?
ANSWER: The African seedpods are also known as Moor pepper and Senegal pepper. The African seedpods are also known as Moor pepper and Senegal pepper.
8 of 11
The North African spice alligator pepper is closely related to what more familiar spice?
ANSWER: In the West African Yoruba culture, newborn babies are customarily given a small taste of alligator pepper. In the West African Yoruba culture, newborn babies are customarily given a small taste of alligator pepper.
9 of 11
Which of these peppercorns is not actually a true pepper of the Piper genus?
ANSWER: The spice that gets sold as pink peppercorns are actually the dried drupes of the Schinus terebinthifolius plant, a member of the cashew family. The spice that gets sold as pink peppercorns are actually the dried drupes of the Schinus terebinthifolius plant, a member of the cashew family.
10 of 11
Powdered golpar seed is a common ingredient in what type of cooking?
ANSWER: The seeds are also used medicinally to relieve flatulence. The seeds are also used medicinally to relieve flatulence.
11 of 11
Amchoor powder is a common Indian and Middle Eastern ingredient. It is made by sun-drying and powdering what fruit?
Amchoor powder adds a tart flavor to dishes and has several times the acidity of lemon juice.)
