Ingredients
Ingredient guides, substitutions, and notes — organized and easy to search.
Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is a fine, white starch extracted from the root of the arrowroot plant, Maranta arundinacea, which is indigenous to tropical regions of the Americas. Historically, it has been used by indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties and as a dietary staple. The powder is known for its mild, slightly nutty flavor and aroma, which is subtle enough not to overpower other ingredients in dishes. Its texture is silky and smooth, making it ideal for thickening sauces, gravies, and puddings without imparting any strong taste. In cooking, arrowroot powder behaves as an excellent thickening agent, creating clear, glossy results that remain stable even when chilled. Unlike cornstarch, it thickens at a lower temperature and does not break down as easily with prolonged cooking, making it a versatile choice for a variety of recipes.
Arugula
Arugula, also known as rocket, is a leafy green vegetable with a peppery, slightly bitter flavor. Its tender leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable celebrated for its delicate yet distinctive flavor and tender texture. Originating in the coastal regions of eastern Europe and western Asia, it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and remains a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Its flavor is subtly sweet with a grassy, earthy undertone that becomes more pronounced when cooked. The spears are renowned for their crisp yet yielding texture, which holds up well in a variety of cooking methods. In the kitchen, asparagus can be steamed, grilled, roasted, or sautéed, often enhancing dishes with its vibrant color and ability to absorb surrounding flavors without losing its integrity.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a heart-healthy oil derived from the fruit of the avocado tree. It has a high smoke point and a mild, buttery flavor, making it ideal for cooking and baking.
BBQ Dry Rub
BBQ dry rub is a fragrant blend of spices and herbs that delivers a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile. Its coarse texture clings beautifully to meats, creating a flavorful crust when grilled or smoked. Originating from Southern United States barbecue traditions, it often features paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and cumin. This versatile seasoning elevates dishes with its bold, aromatic essence, making it indispensable for outdoor cooking.
Baby Spinach
Baby spinach is a young, tender variety of spinach with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Its delicate leaves are perfect for adding freshness and nutrients to a wide range of dishes.
Bacon
With its irresistible smoky aroma and rich, savory flavor, bacon is a beloved ingredient that brings a touch of indulgence to countless dishes. Each slice promises a delightful crispiness that can elevate any meal.
Bagels
Golden, chewy on the inside, and delightfully crusty on the outside, bagels are a beloved breakfast staple. Their pillowy texture and versatile nature make them a canvas for both sweet and savory creations.
Baking Powder
A fine, powdery leavening agent that brings baked goods to life with its gentle bubbles of carbon dioxide.
Baking Soda
A fine, white powder with a slightly alkaline taste, baking soda is a versatile ingredient that brings life to baked goods with its leavening magic.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
A harmonious blend of tangy balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of sweetness, this vinaigrette is a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a dark, sweet, and tangy vinegar made from grape must, which is crushed grape juice with the skins, seeds, and stems still intact. It is aged in wooden barrels, giving it a rich, complex flavor.
Bananas
Bananas are a beloved tropical fruit known for their creamy texture and naturally sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Originating in Southeast Asia, they have become a staple in many cuisines worldwide. The aroma of a ripe banana is both inviting and unmistakable, offering notes of sweetness with a hint of floral undertones. Their texture is smooth and soft, making them enjoyable to eat raw or as part of a dish. In cooking, bananas behave remarkably well, whether they are mashed to add moisture to baked goods, sliced into cereals, or caramelized for a rich dessert topping. They also act as a natural sweetener and can contribute to the browning of baked goods due to their sugar content.
Barbecue Sauce
A tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet condiment that brings the essence of backyard barbecues to your plate. Its rich, velvety texture clings to meats, vegetables, and more, infusing them with a deep, savory flavor.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a long-grain aromatic rice variety known for its delicate fragrance and fluffy texture when cooked. Its slender grains elongate beautifully, offering a nutty flavor that transports you to the heart of Indian cuisine.
Bay Scallops
Delicate and sweet, bay scallops are the petite jewels of the sea. Their tender texture and mild briny flavor make them a delightful addition to any dish.
Beef Brisket (Uncooked)
Beef brisket is a cut of meat taken from the lower chest of the cow, a hardworking muscle that results in a tough yet flavorful piece of meat. Traditionally associated with barbecue culture in the United States, especially Texas, brisket is prized for its rich, beefy taste with a marbled texture that renders fat during cooking. The flavor profile is robust and savory, with a depth that intensifies when cooked low and slow. Its texture is initially tough and fibrous, but when properly braised or smoked, it becomes tender and succulent. Cooking brisket requires patience, as prolonged, gentle heat breaks down the connective tissues, transforming it into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.
Beef Broth
Rich and savory, beef broth is a fragrant elixir that brings depth and warmth to any dish. Its golden hue and inviting aroma are reminiscent of hearty stews simmering on a chilly evening.
Beef Chuck Roast
A robust and flavorful cut of beef, perfect for slow cooking. Its marbling ensures a tender, juicy result when cooked low and slow.
Beef Ribeye Steak
A luscious cut of beef, the ribeye steak is renowned for its rich marbling and intense beefy flavor. Each bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience, with a perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness.
Beef Sirloin Steak
A tender and flavorful cut of beef, the sirloin steak boasts a perfect balance of richness and leanness. Its marbled texture ensures a juicy, satisfying bite with every mouthful.
Beef Stew Meat
Tender chunks of beef, perfect for slow cooking into rich, hearty stews. Each piece is brimming with robust, savory flavor that deepens with every simmer.
Beets
Beets are root vegetables known for their deep red color, though they can also be found in golden and candy cane varieties. Originating in the Mediterranean region, beets have been cultivated for thousands of years and are a staple in many European cuisines. They possess an earthy, sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness, particularly in their skin. The texture of beets is firm and crunchy when raw, becoming tender and smooth when cooked. In cooking, beets are versatile; they can be roasted, boiled, pickled, or even grated raw into salads. They release their vibrant color when cooked, which can add visual appeal to dishes, though it may also stain surfaces and utensils. Beets are known for their ability to add natural sweetness and vibrant color to both savory and sweet dishes alike.
Berbere Spice Blend
Berbere spice blend is a fiery, fragrant Ethiopian staple with deep, earthy notes of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and fenugreek, balanced by hints of citrus from coriander and a touch of warmth from cardamom. Its aroma is robust and smoky, with a texture that is finely ground and velvety. Originating from Ethiopia, berbere is a cornerstone of Ethiopian cuisine, prized for its complexity and ability to transform simple dishes into vibrant feasts. Its versatility lies in its layered heat and depth of flavor, making it a unique addition to any pantry.