This smooth, full-bodied raspberry vinegar from French artisanal producer Huilerie Beaujolaise is wonderfully complex, with a perfect balance between tart and sweet that works in both sweet and savory recipes. Unlike the ambiguous mixed-berry flavor of other vinegars, there is no mistaking the raspberry characteristics in this vinegar. It has a concentrated, jam-like fruitiness without being cloyingly sweet—rather, the berries' natural tartness combined with acetic acid make for a well-rounded flavor profile with plenty of depth, like a brighter version of balsamic. Huilerie Beaujolaise enhances the vinegar with a bit of raspberry juice after fermentation, which creates a fuller mouthfeel similar to that of barrel-aged vinegar.
This smooth, full-bodied raspberry vinegar from French artisanal producer Huilerie Beaujolaise is wonderfully complex, with a perfect balance between tart and sweet that works in both sweet and savory recipes. Unlike the ambiguous mixed-berry flavor of other vinegars, there is no mistaking the raspberry characteristics in this vinegar. It has a concentrated, jam-like fruitiness without being cloyingly sweet—rather, the berries' natural tartness combined with acetic acid make for a well-rounded flavor profile with plenty of depth, like a brighter version of balsamic. Huilerie Beaujolaise enhances the vinegar with a bit of raspberry juice after fermentation, which creates a fuller mouthfeel similar to that of barrel-aged vinegar.
An herb that grows wild across Italy and rarely grown by farmers, nepitella (also known as calamint) recalls the aromatic freshness of mint with a touch of basil and oregano. It’s been incredibly popular in Tuscany for adding to food and drinks for centuries—particularly in soups and pasta sauces and dishes with meaty, earthy mushrooms. This one, though, is cultivated in small amounts in sun-dappled Sicily by a master botanist using traditional practices. The gently dried leaves have a bold, minty taste with very noticeable earthy herbal undertones: oregano, thyme, lavender basil and licorice. Compared to standard dried mint, it’s stronger and more earthy and herbal. Where mint can be sweet, this is savory. Where mint is bracing, this is earthy.
An herb that grows wild across Italy and rarely grown by farmers, nepitella (also known as calamint) recalls the aromatic freshness of mint with a touch of basil and oregano. It’s been incredibly popular in Tuscany for adding to food and drinks for centuries—particularly in soups and pasta sauces and dishes with meaty, earthy mushrooms. This one, though, is cultivated in small amounts in sun-dappled Sicily by a master botanist using traditional practices. The gently dried leaves have a bold, minty taste with very noticeable earthy herbal undertones: oregano, thyme, lavender basil and licorice. Compared to standard dried mint, it’s stronger and more earthy and herbal. Where mint can be sweet, this is savory. Where mint is bracing, this is earthy.
Bright green and richer than other green teas, this matcha powder from Matcha Kari is one of our favorites because of its smooth and light texture. Summer Reserve matcha is creamy, umami and full-bodied with mellow green afternotes. Because it has a less bitter profile than other varieties, this matcha is the perfect addition to smoothies, lattes or desserts.
Bright green and richer than other green teas, this matcha powder from Matcha Kari is one of our favorites because of its smooth and light texture. Summer Reserve matcha is creamy, umami and full-bodied with mellow green afternotes. Because it has a less bitter profile than other varieties, this matcha is the perfect addition to smoothies, lattes or desserts.
Net Weight: 30 grams
Makes about 30 servings
Caffeine Level: One serving of matcha contains between 40 and 80 mg of caffeine
Place of Origin: Harvested in the hillsides of Uji in the Kyoto region
You really should be cooking with hibiscus. Though it’s native to tropical Africa, hibiscus has made a significant splash in cuisines across the world. This dried hibiscus is sourced from Mexico and, when steeped in liquid, produces the most stunning berry-hued nectar. It’s flavor is pungent—almost like a more-nuanced cranberry—with a fruity-floral brightness balanced by an earthy must. It beautifully cuts through cloying sweets, brings color and complexity to drinks and dressings and, when cooked into a savory preparation, offers an unexpected tang and hearty texture.
You really should be cooking with hibiscus. Though it’s native to tropical Africa, hibiscus has made a significant splash in cuisines across the world. This dried hibiscus is sourced from Mexico and, when steeped in liquid, produces the most stunning berry-hued nectar. It’s flavor is pungent—almost like a more-nuanced cranberry—with a fruity-floral brightness balanced by an earthy must. It beautifully cuts through cloying sweets, brings color and complexity to drinks and dressings and, when cooked into a savory preparation, offers an unexpected tang and hearty texture.
About 2 to 3 inches long, these small yet potent chilies have a bright, bold heat followed by a deep savoriness. No traces of smokiness or sweetness—just clean heat. But what stands out the most about these incredible peppers is how supple and tender they are. They don’t break and crumble like others we’ve tried, but rather gently tear apart. The peppers are incredibly aromatic and fresh and produce a strong flavor.
About 2 to 3 inches long, these small yet potent chilies have a bright, bold heat followed by a deep savoriness. No traces of smokiness or sweetness—just clean heat. But what stands out the most about these incredible peppers is how supple and tender they are. They don’t break and crumble like others we’ve tried, but rather gently tear apart. The peppers are incredibly aromatic and fresh and produce a strong flavor.
Considered an indispensable companion to tacos, salsa taquera has a sweet and spicy balance perfect for punching up their flavor. This spoonable one from Xilli has robust flavor and deep earthy red color, flecked with bits of black char from the roasted vegetables for a noticeable smokiness. Chipotles give it an almost chocolatey sweetness and a subtle tang on the finish. Though not overpowering, this salsa does leave a lingering heat that complements any dish it’s served with, from tacos and tortilla chips to chilaquiles.
Considered an indispensable companion to tacos, salsa taquera has a sweet and spicy balance perfect for punching up their flavor. This spoonable one from Xilli has robust flavor and deep earthy red color, flecked with bits of black char from the roasted vegetables for a noticeable smokiness. Chipotles give it an almost chocolatey sweetness and a subtle tang on the finish. Though not overpowering, this salsa does leave a lingering heat that complements any dish it’s served with, from tacos and tortilla chips to chilaquiles.
Bright green and fuller-bodied than other teas, matcha green tea is so prized in Japan that its preparation is considered an art form. Substituting Western utensils can result in a clumpy, muddy drink, so we recommend Matcha Kari’s tea set, with a traditional bamboo scoop, matcha whisk, sifter, and ceramic bowl, all handmade in Japan. Most importantly, the organic Superior Matcha included in the set has a sweet, rich flavor with subtle umami that makes it best suited for drinking.
Bright green and fuller-bodied than other teas, matcha green tea is so prized in Japan that its preparation is considered an art form. Substituting Western utensils can result in a clumpy, muddy drink, so we recommend Matcha Kari’s tea set, with a traditional bamboo scoop, matcha whisk, sifter, and ceramic bowl, all handmade in Japan. Most importantly, the organic Superior Matcha included in the set has a sweet, rich flavor with subtle umami that makes it best suited for drinking.
Matcha Weight: 30 grams
Kit includes: bowl, scoop, whisk, sifter, and Superior Matcha green tea
Note: Bowls may have slight differences from bowls shown in pictures
Place of Origin: Each item in the matcha starter kit is handmade in Japan
Only the absolute best tea leaves can be turned into ceremonial-grade matcha powder. Matcha Kari’s stunning green blend has been carefully selected to produce a robust and full-bodied drink, which is creamy with vegetal undertones and balances bitter and sweet. Prepare Ceremonial Grade matcha with the traditional Japanese tools in this tea set for an elevated cup of tea.
Only the absolute best tea leaves can be turned into ceremonial-grade matcha powder. Matcha Kari’s stunning green blend has been carefully selected to produce a robust and full-bodied drink, which is creamy with vegetal undertones and balances bitter and sweet. Prepare Ceremonial Grade matcha with the traditional Japanese tools in this tea set for an elevated cup of tea.
Net Weight: 30 grams Makes about 30 servings Caffeine Level: One serving of matcha contains between 40 and 80 mg of caffeine Place of Origin: Harvested in the hillsides of Uji in the Kyoto region
