Spices and Herbs

by Elizabeth Kelly

About 4 years ago, my daughter gave me the Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs by Padma Lakshmi, with Judith Sutton and Kalustyan's, which I read parts, of, leafed through, and added to my cookbook shelf. The other day I picked it up again looking for something different for my lentil soup.

The book is set up A - Z and is crammed full of herbs and spices, their properties, what they paid with, what they mix with, and in some cases , their medicinal uses. Most of the herbs and spices I have never herd of. She has scoured the world and put together a very comprehensive list.

Not only are individual herbs and spices discussed, but also blends and their variations based on local customs, the history of the plant, and the geography of its use and cultivation. The book is so much more than just a dry scientific description and it doesn't quite fall into a culinary category as she doesn't include measurements for the blends. It's like a biography of the herb or spice, told with love and admiration.

The section about chiles is extensive, listing an impressive number of varieties, including everything you need or want to know about the Scoville Scale. You can find side bars with teas, and tips for roasting and storing.

Not every entry is photographed but at the beginning of each letter is a beautifully arranged photo whole, ground, or dried herbs and spices in that entry, that is artistic on its own. The photos are rich and alive, tempting you to inhale the dark pungent scents. I immediately want to open my spice cupboard and breath in the aromas.

In the introduction, the author talks about Kalustyan's in New York City, where she went as a child, relied on as an adult when she ran out out a herb or spice, or turned to when she found an unknown spice, and was the source of the subjects of each photo. She says:

"I have always wanted a book like this, a reference guide that would tell me not only the provenance but also the uses of whatever spice or herb caught my attention".

With her wonderful and descriptions and depth of knowledge, along with the photos, she has achieved that want as well as bringing Kalustyan's to us.