Ingredients
Ingredient guides, substitutions, and notes — organized and easy to search.
Fresh Curry Leaves
Fresh curry leaves are aromatic, vibrant green leaves from the curry tree, widely used in South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine for their unique flavor and fragrance.
Fresh Dill
Fresh dill is a fragrant, soft green herb with feathery leaves and a mild, tangy flavor reminiscent of lemon and pine. It adds a refreshing and aromatic touch to dishes.
Fresh Epazote
Fresh epazote offers a unique, pungent aroma with hints of citrus and earthy undertones, reminiscent of oregano but with a sharp, herbal kick. Its vibrant green leaves have a slightly bitter flavor and a robust, almost medicinal scent that mellows upon cooking. Originating from Mesoamerica, this herb is a staple in traditional Mexican cuisine, prized for its ability to counteract the flatulence caused by beans. Its distinctive taste adds depth and complexity to dishes, making it indispensable in authentic recipes.
Fresh Figs
Fresh figs are the ripe fruit of the Ficus carica tree, a plant native to the Middle East and Western Asia but now cultivated worldwide in warm climates. These fruits are celebrated for their luscious sweetness and unique texture, offering a flavor profile that is both honeyed and subtly floral with a hint of berry tanginess. The flesh of a fresh fig is tender and juicy, with a delicate, almost melting quality that contrasts with its smooth, slightly chewy skin. In cooking, fresh figs behave delicately; they can bruise easily and should be handled gently. They are best used soon after harvesting, as they do not ripen well off the tree. Due to their high sugar content and soft flesh, they are ideal for both fresh consumption and culinary applications where their natural sweetness can shine.
Fresh Garlic Chives
Fresh garlic chives boast a mild, sweet onion flavor with a gentle garlic kick, offering a delightful aroma that is both fresh and herbaceous. Their slender, tubular leaves have a tender yet firm texture, perfect for adding a delicate crunch to dishes. Originating from Central Asia, these chives are prized in both Asian and European cuisines for their ability to elevate flavors without overpowering them. Their unique balance makes them a versatile herb that bridges the gap between subtle and robust seasonings.
Fresh Ginger Root
Fresh ginger root is a spicy, aromatic rhizome known for its warm, slightly peppery flavor and numerous health benefits. It has a fibrous texture and a pale yellow interior.
Fresh Greek Oregano
Fresh Greek oregano boasts a robust, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness and a pungent aroma reminiscent of warm, sunny Mediterranean landscapes. Its velvety green leaves are slightly chewy with a pleasant, peppery kick. Originating from Greece, this variety is prized for its intense flavor, surpassing that of common oregano. It's a staple in Greek cuisine, bringing depth and complexity to dishes.
Fresh Haddock Fillets
Delicate and flaky, fresh haddock fillets boast a mild, sweet flavor that melts in your mouth. Their snowy white appearance and firm texture promise a delightful culinary experience.
Fresh Halibut Fillets
These fresh halibut fillets boast a delicate, buttery texture with a mild, sweet flavor that melts in your mouth. Their firm flesh is perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or baking, offering a luxurious dining experience.
Fresh Horseradish Root
Fresh horseradish root is a pungent and spicy root vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family, which includes wasabi and mustard. Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, it has become a staple in many European and American cuisines, particularly in condiments and sauces. Its flavor is intensely sharp and sinus-clearing, with a lingering heat that mellows into a slightly earthy and peppery taste when cooked. The texture is firm and crisp when raw, but it softens and loses its bite when cooked or grated. In cooking, fresh horseradish is most often grated and mixed with vinegar to halt enzymatic browning and preserve its fiery flavor. Its robust profile can enhance the taste of dishes but requires careful handling to avoid overpowering other ingredients.
Fresh Jalapeño
Fresh jalapeños are medium-sized chili peppers known for their vibrant green color and mild to moderate heat. They offer a delightful balance of spice and vegetal freshness.
Fresh Kaffir Lime Leaves
Fresh Kaffir Lime Leaves are an essential ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai and Indonesian dishes. These glossy, deep green leaves come from the Kaffir lime tree, which is native to tropical climates. They boast a unique flavor profile that is intensely aromatic, with notes of lime zest and a hint of floral and herbal undertones. The leaves are quite sturdy and have a texture that is smooth yet slightly waxy, offering a pleasant chew when eaten. In cooking, Kaffir Lime Leaves are often used fresh or dried, infusing dishes with their distinctive aroma. They are commonly added to curries, soups, and rice dishes, where they release their essential oils and enhance the overall flavor profile without dissolving like citrus zest might. They are best added early in the cooking process to allow their essence to permeate the dish.
Fresh Lemon Balm
Fresh lemon balm boasts a bright, citrusy aroma reminiscent of lemon zest with subtle mint undertones. Its tender, heart-shaped leaves are velvety to the touch and offer a refreshingly tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this herb has been cherished for centuries for its calming properties and culinary versatility. Its unique ability to enhance both savory and sweet dishes makes it a prized addition to any kitchen garden.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is the liquid extracted from lemons, offering a bright, tangy flavor that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. It's a staple in many kitchens due to its versatility and fresh aroma.
Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice is the tangy, vibrant liquid extracted from limes. It offers a bright, citrusy flavor that enhances both savory and sweet dishes.
Fresh Lovage
Fresh lovage boasts a robust, celery-like flavor with hints of anise and citrus, offering a fragrant aroma that is both herbaceous and slightly spicy. Originating from the Mediterranean and parts of Europe, this perennial herb has a sturdy, green stalk and broad leaves, with a texture reminiscent of flat-leaf parsley but more fibrous. Its unique taste makes it a prized ingredient for adding depth to soups, stews, and sauces. In culinary traditions, lovage is cherished for its ability to enhance dishes with a bold, earthy character.
Fresh Mahi Mahi Fillets
Succulent and tender, fresh Mahi Mahi fillets boast a delicate, sweet flavor and a firm yet flaky texture. Their vibrant white flesh is a canvas for culinary creativity, offering a taste of the ocean's bounty.
Fresh Marjoram
Fresh marjoram is a fragrant herb with a mild, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor. It belongs to the mint family and is often used to enhance the taste of various dishes.
Fresh Mexican Oregano
Fresh Mexican oregano, known as oregano de Mexico, boasts a robust, citrusy aroma with hints of earthy thyme and a slightly pungent, piney flavor. Its texture is delicate yet sturdy, perfect for both raw and cooked applications. Originating from the warm climates of Mexico and Central America, this variety is a staple in traditional dishes like mole and enchiladas. Its unique flavor profile sets it apart from its Mediterranean cousin, offering a brighter, more complex taste that elevates any dish.
Fresh Mint
Fresh mint is a fragrant herb with bright green leaves and a refreshing, cooling flavor. It's widely used in both sweet and savory dishes, as well as beverages.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Creamy, pillowy, and delightfully mild, fresh mozzarella cheese is a culinary gem. Its soft, milky texture melts in your mouth, offering a taste of pure, unadulterated dairy bliss.
Fresh Mussels
Fresh mussels are plump, briny bivalves with a tender texture and a taste of the sea. Their shells are often a striking blue or black, and when steamed open, they release a delicate, oceanic aroma that instantly transports you to coastal shores.
Fresh Orange Juice
Fresh orange juice is made by squeezing oranges to extract their natural, sweet, and tangy juice. It's a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, offering a refreshing and nutritious boost to your diet.
Fresh Oregano
Fresh oregano is a fragrant herb with a robust, slightly peppery flavor. Its vibrant green leaves add a delightful aroma and taste to a variety of dishes.