1. Seasonings and Flavorings Adding spice to your life!

2. Seasonings and Flavorings Seasonings – enhancing the natural flavor of the food without significantly changing its flavor. Flavoring – adding new flavor to a food.

3. Seasonings and Flavorings Main ingredients = main sources of flavor Spices, herbs and flavorings enhance the natural flavor, not replace or recover it.

4. When to Season and Flavor Seasoning Most often done at the end of the cooking process. “adjust the seasoning” Salt and Pepper are often added at the beginning. Some herbs and spices are added in the beginning to impart a specific flavor profile. Be aware of the concentration factor.

5. When to Season and Flavor Flavor Added at any time depending on the cooking time, process and ingredient At the end, usually fresh herbs, brandy or condiments. Flavorings need heat to release Ground spice release more flavor Flavors are “volatile”

6. Common Seasonings and Flavoring Ingredients Salt – the most widely used to “enhance” flavor.  You can always add more! Pepper – add the “heat”.  Whole, crushed or ground black pepper (DR)  White pepper –when color matters  Green peppercorns used in multi-mixes

7. Common Seasonings and Flavoring Ingredients Red or cayenne pepper – different family same result. Lemon Juice – adds acid Fresh herbs – variety and intensity Mirepoix  Onion, (garlic, shallots) carrots, and celery  Trinity – Cajun cuisine Prepared mustard Grated rind – orange, lemon MSG – caution may have “ill” effect.

8. Herbs and Spices Herbs- leaves of certain plants that usually grow in temperate climates Spices – buds, fruits, flowers, bark, seeds and roots of plants and trees – many tropical

9. Use of Herbs and Spices Know the products Store dried in a cool place Buy in small containers Don’t skimp Ground enhance more quickly Use a sachet for flavoring liquids Add a little and taste, you can always add more. Enhance not dominate If uncooked, it takes more time to flavor Always taste before serving

10. Spice & Herb Chart Get one! Use it as a guide Get to know the spices and herbs you commonly use. Understand the difference between fresh, dry and freeze dried. Uses spices and herbs that are culturally appropriate – authentic cuisine.