The Encyclopedia of Spices & Herbs

From the Emmy-nominated host of Top Chef, an A-to-Z compendium of spices, herbs, salts, peppers, and blends, including beautiful photography.

Award-winning cookbook author and television host Padma Lakshmi, inspired by her life of traveling across the globe, brings together the world's spices and herbs in a vibrant, comprehensive alphabetical guide. This definitive culinary reference book is illustrated with rich color photographs that capture the essence of a diverse range of spices and their authentic flavors. The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs includes complete descriptions, histories, and cooking suggestions for ingredients from basic herbs to the most exotic seeds and chilies, as well as information on toasting spices, making teas, and infusing various oils and vinegars. Also included are photos from New York's iconic gourmet food store Kalustyan's, where Padma spent much of her childhood lingering in the aisles.


Essential to any well-stocked kitchen or cooking enthusiast, The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs is an invaluable resource and an adventurous tour of some of the most wondrous and majestic flavors on earth.


"This book takes you on an entirely new journey, which begins at advieh and ends at zedoary. Ranging far beyond the usual repertoire of familiar names, this is the perfect book for the curious cook." —Ruth Reichl


"[A] handy and knowledgeable look at the wide world of seasonings . . . Many an unexpected and delightful tidbit of information awaits the reader." —Publishers Weekly

"A beautiful book . . . an extensive catalogue and helpful recommendations on how best to use these ingredients to create full-flavored dishes. A great resource for any chef or home cook." —Eric Ripert