Green Onions and Chives Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary flavor profile of cumin?

Sour and tangy

Salty and savory

Warm and slightly bitter (correct)

Sweet and aromatic

Which method enhances the flavor of cumin seeds before use?

Boiling in water

Marinating in oil

Freezing for a short time

Dry-frying before grinding (correct)

What is cardamom primarily used to season?

Fruit dishes

Pickles and chutneys

Baked goods and beverages (correct)

Salads and dressings

What unique characteristic does cayenne pepper possess?

It is a fiery hot spice Signup and view all the answers

In what form should celery seeds be used for best flavor?

Whole seeds Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ingredient used to make chili powder?

Ground dried chillies Signup and view all the answers

What form does cinnamon take when it is dried?

Sticks or quills Signup and view all the answers

In which type of dishes is cinnamon primarily used?

Sweet dishes and desserts Signup and view all the answers

What is the main flavor profile of tarragon?

Sweet aniseed and mild vanilla Signup and view all the answers

What is a common culinary use for sage?

Stuffing for fatty meats Signup and view all the answers

How should fresh thyme be stored to maintain freshness?

Wrapped in a damp paper towel and stored in a plastic bag Signup and view all the answers

What are green onions also known as?

Spring onions Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to maximize the color and flavor of chives?

Serve them raw at the end of cooking Signup and view all the answers

Which herb is known for having finely divided and light to dark green leaves?

Celery Signup and view all the answers

Which herb is often confused with marjoram?

Oregano Signup and view all the answers

Which spice is known to add heat and depth of flavor to dishes worldwide?

Black pepper Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes chervil from flat leaf parsley?

It has a finer stem and more delicate leaves. Signup and view all the answers

How should fresh rosemary be stored for optimal freshness?

In a glass of water with a plastic bag around the top Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary culinary region associated with thyme?

American and European cuisine Signup and view all the answers

What flavor profile does mint contribute to savory dishes?

Cooling and peppery Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of oregano when compared to its fresh form?

It dries well and is easier to find dried Signup and view all the answers

What flavor does sage impart to dishes?

Minty and musky Signup and view all the answers

Why can dried oregano be substituted for fresh oregano at a different measurement?

It has a more intense flavor Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes leeks from green onions?

Leeks belong to the onion family but are a separate herb Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for saffron's high price?

Its production involves extensive manual labor due to the delicate process of harvesting. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is essential for transforming green vanilla pods into their characteristic form?

High-temperature curing and sweating in cloth Signup and view all the answers

Which spice blend is characterized by a dominant scent of star anise and cinnamon?

Five-spice powder Signup and view all the answers

How is turmeric most commonly used in cooking?

Dried and ground Signup and view all the answers

What color varieties do sesame seeds come in?

Brown, red, black, yellow, and ivory Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about vanilla orchids is true?

Each plant must be individually pollinated by hand. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of cloves in cooking?

To impart a strong sweet, spicy, and peppery flavor Signup and view all the answers

In which cuisines are masala spice blends most commonly used?

Indian and South Asian Signup and view all the answers

How should coriander seeds be used in cooking?

For pickling or ground in curry pastes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of green peppercorns in cooking?

To add spiciness and flavor Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes curry powder from masala in Indian cooking?

Curry powder has a constant recipe, while masala varies per dish Signup and view all the answers

What flavor profile do fennel seeds contribute to dishes?

Aniseed and sweet Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about garlic is true?

Garlic belongs to the same family as onions and leeks Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application for soaking a cinnamon stick?

In hot water for making herbal tea Signup and view all the answers

What is a generally recognized method to use cloves effectively?

To insert whole cloves in meats and fruits for flavor Signup and view all the answers

Curry powder is primarily made up of which ingredients?

Turmeric, chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground ginger, and pepper Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Green onions (scallions/spring onions) are young, immature onions.
The bulbs produce distinct white and red varieties as they mature.
Chives, milder than onions, have slender tubular leaves and are ideal as a garnish; their purple blossoms are more pungent.
Leeks differ from green onions but belong to the same family.

Culinary Herbs

Marjoram, related to oregano, has several varieties with diverse leaf colors and sizes.
Rosemary possesses a strong flavor; its spiky leaves can be used fresh or dried and should be added sparingly.
Mint, commonly linked with desserts, also enhances savory Middle Eastern and North African dishes.
Oregano, prevalent in Mediterranean cuisine, is often used dried due to its concentrated flavor; half the amount of dried should be used compared to fresh.

Vegetables and Leafy Herbs

Celery features shorter stems and finely divided leaves; its leaves enhance salads and cooked dishes like soups and stir-fries.
Thyme, a versatile herb, pairs well with meats and vegetables; fresh thyme can be stored in a damp paper towel.
Tarragon, with a unique sweet aniseed flavor, is essential in French cuisine and works well with eggs and poultry.
Sage is strong and minty; it’s traditionally used in sausages and meatstuffing.

Unique Herbs

Chervil resembles parsley but has delicate leaves and faint aniseed flavor; commonly used in French fines herbes.

Spices Overview

Black pepper is a global favorite, noted for adding heat and flavor depth; derived from pepper plant berries.
Cumin, an aromatic spice, varies from warm and slightly bitter; commonly used in curries and Mexican dishes.
Cardamom adds a unique flavor to Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines; it’s harvested for its fragrant seedpods.
Cayenne pepper is a hot spice that can be added to various dishes, especially in powdered form.

More Spice Details

Celery seeds provide a strong flavor, ideal for seasoning blends and various dishes but should be used whole as ground seeds taste bitterer.
Chili powder varies in heat and can be smoked for added flavor.
Cinnamon is a fragrant spice from the bark of certain tropical trees, used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Cloves, dried flower buds, add a strong flavor and should be used in moderation.

Cooking Essentials

Coriander seeds impart a warm, citrus flavor distinct from fresh coriander; used widely in Indian cooking.
Curry powder is a mix thought to be a British invention, commonly used in various strengths.
Fennel seeds, used in spice mixes, offer a sweet aroma and digestive aid properties.
Garlic, although not categorized as an herb or spice, is vital for flavor and comes in various varieties.

Specialty Spices

Turmeric, a vibrant yellow root, is utilized for its flavor and health benefits, best used in moderation.
Saffron is the most expensive spice, requiring extensive manual harvesting; used in diverse culinary applications.
Vanilla beans come from the vanilla orchid and are costly due to labor-intensive cultivation and processing.
Sesame seeds, available in multiple colors, are a popular garnish in various cuisines and enhance both sweet and savory dishes.

Spice Blends

Five-spice powder combines star anise, cinnamon, and several other spices; used in Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.
Masalas are ground spice blends commonly used in South Asian cooking, adding depth and complexity to dishes.

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Description

This quiz explores the characteristics of green onions, scallions, and chives. Learn about the differences between these young onions and their culinary uses. Test your knowledge of these flavorful plants and how they enhance dishes.