Glossary

Rice syrup

Rice syrup

Rice syrup Pronounce it: rais sirr-up Also known as brown rice syrup, brown rice malt and rice malt, this ingredient of Chinese origin is made by enzymic action on brown rice and, after further treatment…


Turmeric

Turmeric

Turmeric Pronounce it: term-er-ik Turmeric is a fragrant, bright golden-yellow root that is most commonly seen and used dried and ground. Although sometimes suggested as an alternative to saffron, these flavours have nothing in common,…


Syrah / Shiraz

Syrah / Shiraz

Syrah / Shiraz Pronounce it: sirrah / shih-raz International celebrity The northern Rhone is the traditional home of Syrah, where it is renowned in the wines of Hermitage, Cote-Rotie and Cornas. In the Southern Rhone…


Hummus

Hummus Pronounce it: hoom-iss, hum-iss Hummus or houmous is a staple of Middle Eastern diets. It’s a purée of cooked chickpeas, flavoured with tahini (a paste of roasted sesame seeds) plus olive oil, lemon juice…


Courgette flower

Courgette flower

Courgette flower Pronounce it: korr-shgett fl-ow-er The edible flower of the courgette, or zucchini bush. There are two sorts of flower: the flower with the immature vegetable attached is the female and the more eyecatching…


Garam masala

Garam masala Pronounce it: gar-am mah-sarl-ah Meaning ‘warming spice mix’, garam masala is the main spice blend used in North Indian cookery. There are many different versions, often dictated by region, but most contain a…


Balsamic vinegar

Balsamic vinegar Pronounce it: bal-sam-ick vin-ee-gah True Balsamic vinegar is an artisan product from Modena, in Emilia Romagna, Italy, and is made with grape must (juice) that is simmered to make a concentrate, allowed to…


Yuzu

Yuzu

Yuzu Pronounce it: yoo-zoo This relatively new citrus in the UK originated in Central China and Tibet but is more commonly associated with Japanese cuisine. Intensely aromatic, its major antecedent among several arcane citruses is…


Onion

Onion

Onion Pronounce it: un-yun Onions are endlessly versatile and an essential ingredient in countless recipes. Native to Asia, these underground bulbs are prized all over the world for the depth and flavour that they add…


Tomato

Tomato

Tomato Pronounce it: toe-mart-oh A member of the nightshade family (along with aubergines, peppers and chillies), tomatoes are in fact a fruit, but their affinity for other savoury ingredients means that they are usually classed…