What are aromatics?
Aromatics add flavour, aroma and personality to food! Often people think of herbs and spices when they think of aromatics; but fresh produce items are also tremendously important!
Aromatics are combinations of foods, herbs and spices that are cooked together with some fat like butter or oil at the beginning of a recipe – and together they set the foundation for the rest of the dish. They are commonly used in preparations such as soups, stews, stocks, sauces, curries and stir fried favourites. Think of soup with flavour from leeks and celery. A curry isn’t complete without ginger or garlic, spaghetti sauce is flat without shallots and garlic and Cajun dishes all require the holy trinity – onion, peppers and celery! What about France’s mirepoix, made with a base of onion, carrot, celery or Germany’s Suppengrün with carrot, celeriac and leek?
Some of our favourite aromatics are garlic, ginger, onion, shallots, celery and peppers! Learn more about how to prepare and use these special vegetables by clicking the links above or check out our recipes to get inspired!
