Ingredient Guides



Welcome to our Ingredient Guides category, your culinary compass at Mangoes and Palm Trees! This is where we go beyond the recipe to explore the stories, science, and cultural significance behind the world’s most fascinating ingredients. Crafted by our family—Oliver, Natalia, and Victor—these guides are inspired by our deep dives into global food markets.

From exotic spices discovered in Moroccan souks to staple vegetables from Mediterranean farms, each guide is a reflection of our travels. We believe that understanding an ingredient is the key to unlocking its true potential in your kitchen.

Our Signature Ingredient Guides

Discover our family’s favorite in-depth guides, each one packed with practical tips:

• Dried Guajillo Chiles: The Ultimate Guide: Master this cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, from choosing the best chiles to preparing them for authentic sauces.
• Accent Seasoning (MSG): An In-Depth Look: Explore the science and culinary uses of this often-misunderstood but essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines.
• Best Harissa Substitutes: A guide to the fiery and flavorful North African chili paste and what to use when you can’t find it.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to cook creatively and confidently with ingredients from around the world.

Explore more in our parent Recipes category or find the origins of these ingredients in our Travel Destinations.

Featured Authority Resources

For the most accurate information, we consult trusted scientific and culinary authorities.

• Food Science: An Expert Resource: A collection of deep dives into the science of cooking from the experts at Serious Eats.
• Food Ingredients & Packaging: Official guidance and information on food ingredients from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• USDA FoodData Central: A comprehensive government database from the USDA providing detailed nutritional information for thousands of ingredients.

Join our community! Share your ingredient discoveries and kitchen experiments on social media with @mangoes_and_palm_trees on Instagram. Let’s explore the world of flavor together!