Selecting Ingredients

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The Grading of French Foie Gras
The French grade and classify foie gras with a manic fervor that defies comprehension by us foreign infidels.
Picking a Pomegranate
Here's what we look for when buying pomegranates—plus the best way we've found to extract their seeds.
Brined and Roasted Turkey
When it comes to picking a bird for the Thanksgiving table, it comes down to a choice between price and flavor.
These Chinese spirits are good enough to guzzle.
Know Your Avocados
Though the famously rich-tasting hass variety dominates the American market, hundreds of other types of avocado exist.
Know Your Game Birds
Is it wild or domestic? Do you roast it or fry it? And when is a partridge a grouse?
Making an authentic Provençal bouillabaisse is a labor of love. This is how they do it in the port towns of the South of France.
Selecting Asparagus
To get the best flavor possible when buying asparagus at the market, follow our simple rules.
Real Chinese Rice Wine
When preparing a Chinese meal, look for real Chinese rice wine—here are our recommendations.
Buying Saffron
When buying saffron, use your senses: Examine it for a rich red color, a pleasing aroma, and a bitter yet floral taste.
Varieties of Salt
We’re often asked what the difference is between varieties of salt—here’s our simple primer.
Our Favorite Mushrooms
There’s a fungus (or a few hundred) among us, and they’re all delicious—here are some of our favorites.
Cacao: A Glossary
From bean to bar: an intimate look at the sweet treat we love, from the inside out.
Lobster Nitty-Gritty
We know all about the down-and-dirty details of a lobster’s tasty innards.
Our handy primer tells you what they look like, what they’re called, and how best to use them.