53 Must-Have Ingredients for a Global Kitchen
October 01, 2012
Photo: Brian Woodcock
Foods and flavors from the global supermarket that every adventurous healthy cook should track down.
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The World's Your Oyster
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).
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Exotic Find: Black Garlic
Sweet-sticky mellowed allium
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Exotic Find: Asafoetida
Jarringly stinky resin makes curries sublime
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Exotic Find: Fresh Supermarket Ramen
Now starring in Asian stores
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Exotic Find: Achiote Paste
For red-hued Yucatán spice rubs
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Exotic Find: Jarred Wild Albacore Tuna
Like the Euro kind, but sustainable
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Exotic Find: Fermented Tofu
Because there has to be one food that only a daredevil will eat
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Exotic Find: Nduja
Zingy Calabrian salami paste
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Exotic Find: Pomegranate Molasses
Tart-sweet Mid-East staple, astringent bite
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Exotic Find: Curry Leaves
Lovely, toasty, fragrant curry component
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Exotic Find: Broken Rice
SE Asian street-food texture
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Exotic Find: Farofa
Toasted manioc flour, kind of like breadcrumbs
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Exotic Find: Quail Eggs
Petite-sized, feel fancy
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Exotic Find: Iberico Ham
The Lamborghini of Spanish ham
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Exotic Find: Cherimoya
Creamy pineapple-banana-coconut–flavored fruit
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Exotic Find: White Anchovies (Boquerones)
Vinegar-marinated tapa
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Exotic Find: Buddha's Hand
Best, most fragrant lemon zest
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Rising Stars: Fresh Fava Beans
Your classier lima bean
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Rising Stars: Peppadew Peppers
Like candied, still-crisp red bell peppers
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Rising Stars: Fresh Chinese Egg Noodles
Slurpy, chewy, easy
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Rising Stars: Frozen Indian Breads
Because we all need more naan
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Rising Stars: Marcona Almonds
The Maserati of almonds
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Rising Stars: Mexican Crema
South-of-the-border crème fraîche
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Rising Stars: Farro
Wheatberry-like whole grain with Etruscan cred
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Rising Stars: Smoked Paprika
No-fat bacony flavor agent
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Rising Stars: ABC Sauce
Indonesian soy syrup, instant sweet glaze
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Rising Stars: Castelvetrano Olives
The Marcona of olives
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Rising Stars: Mexican Chorizo
Crumbly raw, fatty, superspiced sausage
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Rising Stars: Bulgur
The couscous of whole grains
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Rising Stars: Pecan, Avocado, and Pistachio Oil
Big flavor, healthy fats
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Rising Stars: Jerk Rubs
Because allspice is an underappreciated flavor
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Rising Stars: Dark Palm Sugar
Like a kick-butt maple sugar
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Rising Stars: Tamarind
Supertangy fruit paste
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Rising Stars: Fish Sauce
Pungent salty umami
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Rising Stars: Soba
Fast-cooking noodle, strong grainy taste
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Rising Stars: Lime Leaves
Aromatic Thai essential
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New Staples: Hummus
Versatile, nutty spread
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New Staples: Italian Rustic Dried Pastas
Try a new shape every week
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New Staples: Chipotle Peppers
Take-no-prisoners smokiness, with fire
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New Staples: Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce
Nicer, more nuanced flavor