Definition: In Greek: μαστίχα Mastiha starts as a semi-transparent sap from lentisk trees (actually evergreen bushes) found only in certain areas of the Greek island of Chios. As resinous granules, it was the original chewing gum, and the name “mastiha” is the root word of “masticate,” meaning “to chew.” At the market, look for “mastiha,” […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Mahlepi, μαχλέπι, pronounced mah-LEH-pee At the market: In the U.S., mahlab kernels or powder may be available in larger markets, or in specialty groceries catering to Mediterranean and/or Middle Eastern cuisines. Mahlab may also be marketed as “St. Lucie Cherry Kernels,” or “ground cherry stones.” Physical characteristics: Mahlab kernels are 5 […]

Greek name and pronunciation: kafteres piperies, καυτερές πιπεριές, pronounced kahf-ter-ES pee-peh-reeYES At the market: Hot peppers are available in a variety of forms – fresh, dried, coarsely ground, flaked, and powdered. They come in a range of colors and sizes. Physical characteristics: The size, shape and color of hot peppers depends upon the variety and […]

Greek name and pronunciation: πιπερόριζα, say pee-peh-ROH-ree-zah At the market: Fresh ginger root is usually available at the green grocer. Dried ginger is usually sold in powder form, and minced or pureed ginger can often be found in jars. Physical characteristics: Ginger root is said to resemble fat stubby hands. They are a light tan […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Kari, κάρι, pronounced KAH-ree At the market: Curry powder is available in small resealable containers. Curry leaves are available only in countries in which the curry tree grows. Fresh curry leaves quickly lose their fragrance after harvesting, and for that reason are not suitable for long-distance transportation and international marketing. Physical […]

Greek name and pronunciation: kymino, κύμινο, pronounced KEE-mee-no At the market: Ground cumin is the form most widely used, and is available in sprinkle-pour spice containers. Physical characterisitcs: Ground cumin is a yellowish-brown color with a strong (not hot) taste and aroma. The cumin plant prefers a warm and humid climate, and grows 6 to […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Colianthro, κολίανδρο, pronounced koh-LEE-ahn-throh (hard th, rhymes with “dough”) At the market: Coriander seeds are available in sealed packs. Pour-and-shake containers of ground coriander are sometimes available, but it is recommended to buy the seeds and grind them yourself. Physical characteristics: When these rounded seeds are crushed with a mortar and […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Garifalo, γαρίφαλο, pronounced ghah-REE-fah-lo At the market: Whole cloves are usually packaged is small resealable containers. Clove essential oil is usually available at health food stores. Physical characteristics: Cloves are the dried unopened flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia and Madagascar. A dried clove (bud) is 1/2 to […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Kanela, κανέλα, pronounced kah-NEL-ah At the market: Cinnamon is available in powdered and stick (quill) form (sticks are usually 2- to 6-inch long sections of dried bark). The essential oil of cinnamon is sometimes available. Physical characteristics: Ground cinnamon has a tan color. Quills, made from dried cork-like outer tree bark, […]

Greek name and pronunciation: Karthamo, κάρδαμο, pronounced KAR-thah-mo (hard th) At the market: Dried cardamom seeds, unshelled and shelled are usually available in small containers, as is powdered (ground) cardamom. Sometimes, pods (containing 15 to 20 seeds) are available. Powdered cardamom should be a last choice because once the container is opened, it quickly loses […]