Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
SUBSCRIBE
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. 53 Must-Have Ingredients for a Global Kitchen

53 Must-Have Ingredients for a Global Kitchen

October 01, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Foods and flavors from the global supermarket that every adventurous healthy cook should track down.
Start Slideshow

1 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The World's Your Oyster

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Centuries ago, early traders would cross perilous waters for the chance to feast on exotic spices, fruits, and foods from far-away lands. In modern times, we are lucky to be able to find these ingredients at ethic markets, specialty stores, and even the plain old grocery store just a few miles from our homes.

From the enticingly exotic, to the new cultural staples, here’s a list of products every home cook should know about (no boat required).

 

1 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Black Garlic

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Sweet-sticky mellowed allium

2 of 54

3 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Asafoetida

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Jarringly stinky resin makes curries sublime

3 of 54

Advertisement

4 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Fresh Supermarket Ramen

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Now starring in Asian stores

4 of 54

5 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Achiote Paste

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
For red-hued Yucatán spice rubs

5 of 54

6 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Jarred Wild Albacore Tuna

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Like the Euro kind, but sustainable

6 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Fermented Tofu

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Because there has to be one food that only a daredevil will eat

7 of 54

8 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Nduja

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Zingy Calabrian salami paste

8 of 54

9 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Pomegranate Molasses

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Tart-sweet Mid-East staple, astringent bite

9 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Curry Leaves

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Lovely, toasty, fragrant curry component

10 of 54

11 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Broken Rice

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
SE Asian street-food texture

11 of 54

12 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Farofa

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Toasted manioc flour, kind of like breadcrumbs

12 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Quail Eggs

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Petite-sized, feel fancy

13 of 54

14 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Iberico Ham

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
The Lamborghini of Spanish ham

14 of 54

15 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Cherimoya

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Creamy pineapple-banana-coconut–flavored fruit

15 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: White Anchovies (Boquerones)

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Vinegar-marinated tapa

16 of 54

17 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Exotic Find: Buddha's Hand

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Best, most fragrant lemon zest

17 of 54

18 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Fresh Fava Beans

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Your classier lima bean

18 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Peppadew Peppers

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Like candied, still-crisp red bell peppers

19 of 54

20 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Fresh Chinese Egg Noodles

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Slurpy, chewy, easy

20 of 54

21 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Frozen Indian Breads

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Because we all need more naan

21 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Marcona Almonds

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
The Maserati of almonds

22 of 54

23 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Mexican Crema

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
South-of-the-border crème fraîche

23 of 54

24 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Farro

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Wheatberry-like whole grain with Etruscan cred

24 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Smoked Paprika

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
No-fat bacony flavor agent

25 of 54

26 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: ABC Sauce

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Indonesian soy syrup, instant sweet glaze

26 of 54

27 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Castelvetrano Olives

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
The Marcona of olives

27 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Mexican Chorizo

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Crumbly raw, fatty, superspiced sausage

28 of 54

29 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Bulgur

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
The couscous of whole grains

29 of 54

30 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Pecan, Avocado, and Pistachio Oil

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Big flavor, healthy fats

30 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Jerk Rubs

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Because allspice is an underappreciated flavor

31 of 54

32 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Dark Palm Sugar

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Like a kick-butt maple sugar

32 of 54

33 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Tamarind

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Supertangy fruit paste

33 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Fish Sauce

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Pungent salty umami

34 of 54

35 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Soba

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Fast-cooking noodle, strong grainy taste

35 of 54

36 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rising Stars: Lime Leaves

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Aromatic Thai essential

36 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Hummus

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Versatile, nutty spread

37 of 54

38 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Italian Rustic Dried Pastas

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Try a new shape every week

38 of 54

39 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Chipotle Peppers

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Take-no-prisoners smokiness, with fire

39 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Nicer, more nuanced flavor

40 of 54

41 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Coconut Milk

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Heavy cream, from a tree

41 of 54

42 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Sriracha

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Ketchup with cojones

42 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

43 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Sherry Vinegar

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
The best beats all other vinegars

43 of 54

44 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Fresh Corn Tortillas

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Like masa from heaven

44 of 54

45 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Thai Curry Pastes

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Instant complexity in rub or sauce

45 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

46 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Greek Yogurt

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Because yogurt should always have been this tangy

46 of 54

47 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Basmati Rice

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Fragrant, cooks up nonsticky

47 of 54

48 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Indian Simmering Sauces

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Add frozen veggies: instant curry

48 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

49 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Shelled Frozen Edamame

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Fava pleasures, much cheaper

49 of 54

50 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Quinoa

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Whole grains, very quickly

50 of 54

51 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Firm Tofu

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Sautés up somethin’ nice

51 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

52 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Spanish Chorizo

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Firm cured sausage, smoky, tangy

52 of 54

53 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Sea Salt

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Hand-sprinkle for fun crunch

53 of 54

54 of 54

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

New Staples: Sambal

Credit: Photo: Brian Woodcock
Instant, vibrant chile heat

54 of 54

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 54 The World's Your Oyster
    2 of 54 Exotic Find: Black Garlic
    3 of 54 Exotic Find: Asafoetida
    4 of 54 Exotic Find: Fresh Supermarket Ramen
    5 of 54 Exotic Find: Achiote Paste
    6 of 54 Exotic Find: Jarred Wild Albacore Tuna
    7 of 54 Exotic Find: Fermented Tofu
    8 of 54 Exotic Find: Nduja
    9 of 54 Exotic Find: Pomegranate Molasses
    10 of 54 Exotic Find: Curry Leaves
    11 of 54 Exotic Find: Broken Rice
    12 of 54 Exotic Find: Farofa
    13 of 54 Exotic Find: Quail Eggs
    14 of 54 Exotic Find: Iberico Ham
    15 of 54 Exotic Find: Cherimoya
    16 of 54 Exotic Find: White Anchovies (Boquerones)
    17 of 54 Exotic Find: Buddha's Hand
    18 of 54 Rising Stars: Fresh Fava Beans
    19 of 54 Rising Stars: Peppadew Peppers
    20 of 54 Rising Stars: Fresh Chinese Egg Noodles
    21 of 54 Rising Stars: Frozen Indian Breads
    22 of 54 Rising Stars: Marcona Almonds
    23 of 54 Rising Stars: Mexican Crema
    24 of 54 Rising Stars: Farro
    25 of 54 Rising Stars: Smoked Paprika
    26 of 54 Rising Stars: ABC Sauce
    27 of 54 Rising Stars: Castelvetrano Olives
    28 of 54 Rising Stars: Mexican Chorizo
    29 of 54 Rising Stars: Bulgur
    30 of 54 Rising Stars: Pecan, Avocado, and Pistachio Oil
    31 of 54 Rising Stars: Jerk Rubs
    32 of 54 Rising Stars: Dark Palm Sugar
    33 of 54 Rising Stars: Tamarind
    34 of 54 Rising Stars: Fish Sauce
    35 of 54 Rising Stars: Soba
    36 of 54 Rising Stars: Lime Leaves
    37 of 54 New Staples: Hummus
    38 of 54 New Staples: Italian Rustic Dried Pastas
    39 of 54 New Staples: Chipotle Peppers
    40 of 54 New Staples: Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce
    41 of 54 New Staples: Coconut Milk
    42 of 54 New Staples: Sriracha
    43 of 54 New Staples: Sherry Vinegar
    44 of 54 New Staples: Fresh Corn Tortillas
    45 of 54 New Staples: Thai Curry Pastes
    46 of 54 New Staples: Greek Yogurt
    47 of 54 New Staples: Basmati Rice
    48 of 54 New Staples: Indian Simmering Sauces
    49 of 54 New Staples: Shelled Frozen Edamame
    50 of 54 New Staples: Quinoa
    51 of 54 New Staples: Firm Tofu
    52 of 54 New Staples: Spanish Chorizo
    53 of 54 New Staples: Sea Salt
    54 of 54 New Staples: Sambal

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Cooking Light

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    MeredithCooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Cooking Light. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

    View image

    53 Must-Have Ingredients for a Global Kitchen
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.