Truly international in their appeal, peppers—some might say chiles—are integral to cuisines worldwide. All types of peppers are part of the genus Capsicum, including hot and sweet varieties. According to Danise Coon, senior research specialist at New Mexico State University‘s Chile Pepper Institute, “chile” generally refers to a pepper that’s spicy, while a “pepper” can … Read more
Industrial agriculture has distorted our image of a corn field, replacing it with row upon symmetrical row of cloned stalks of genetically modified maize. These modern fields were planted in the name of efficiency, and some call this feat a success. After all, the United States leads the charts as the largest producer of corn … Read more
I’ll never say no to a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich, but fruit spreads can do so much more than be a sidekick to toast. They’re the glue that holds Linzer cookies together, fills hamantaschen, sandwiches an Italian rainbow cookie (or a rainbow loaf cake), and can even be used to glaze grilled chicken. … Read more
Historically prized for their curative properties and health benefits, fresh herbs like mint, basil, and tarragon are champions in the kitchen. They offer endless opportunities to upgrade the flavors of virtually any dish (cocktails too!), bringing a level of deliciousness and finesse that simply can’t be matched by dried herbs or spices. But, if you’re … Read more