Tastessence

Food Facts & Kitchen Tips

The useful side of food knowledge: how long things keep, what that label means, and the kitchen tricks that make cooking easier.

Wooden cutting board with a chef's knife, peppercorns, salt and thyme

All Articles

A cake being decorated with smooth fondant icing on one side and textured marzipan on the other

The Delish Difference Between Marzipan and Fondant

Fondant icing, royal icing, loads of butter cream frosting, and some marzipan, you just can’t imagine decorating a cake without it! Tastessence does a simple fondant vs. marzipan comparison to highlight the minor differences between the two most commonly used cake decoration ingredients.

A crisp fried egg roll and a translucent rice-paper spring roll served side by side on a plate

Is a Spring Roll Different from an Egg Roll? Think You Know?

A spring roll and its cousin, the egg roll are mistaken by many to be the same. However, there lie distinct differences between them. Although the lines appear obscure, Tastessence solves the confusion, which will help you to order these tasteful appetizers while dining out.

A toasted crumpet with its holey top beside a split, toasted English muffin, both buttered on a wooden board

What is the Difference Between Crumpets and English Muffins?

When offered with a choice between a crumpet or an English muffin, what would you pick? Well, I would definitely choose both of them, as they are equally delicious. Both are much preferred English breakfast choices and are made with more or less similar ingredients. So, then what’s the difference between a crumpet and an English muffin. This Tastessence post will answer that for you!

A sliced stromboli showing its cheese and ham spiral next to a whole crescent-shaped calzone on a wooden board

Difference Between a Stromboli and a Calzone

Differentiating between a stromboli and a calzone can leave anyone puzzled, especially because both the dishes have a similar ingredients’ list. But with Tastessence by your side, you’ll be able to tell the difference once you finish reading this post.

A wedge of Asiago cheese with its dense interior exposed, beside bread and pasta on a wooden board

Information About the Asiago Cheese You Absolutely Must Know

The gooey, melting-in-mouth, savory cheese makes you drool every time you see a pizza loaded with cheese or any other ‘cheesy’ recipe. Asiago cheese is one kind that goes well with almost all kinds of dishes and beers. In this Tastessence post, we shall tell you what exactly Asiago cheese is and what it is used for.

A block of feta cheese in brine beside a sliced log of goat cheese on a wooden board

Feta Cheese Vs. Goat Cheese

Are you a cheese fanatic? Ever wondered what is the difference between feta cheese and goat cheese? We, at Tastessence, have all the answers, and we present to you a detailed account of feta cheese vs. goat cheese.

Sliced hard salami and Genoa salami arranged side by side on a wooden board, showing their different textures and colors

Difference between Hard Salami and Genoa Salami

Hard salami and Genoa salami can used in a number of ways from a humble sandwich to the oh-so-elegant appetizers. This Tastessence article gives you an account of Genoa salami vs. hard salami.

A whole rutabaga beside a halved turnip on a wooden kitchen counter, showing their skin and inner flesh

Rutabaga Vs. Turnip

With their large bulbous shape and reddish purple crown, the rutabaga and turnip look pretty similar, but not many people are aware of the differences between them. Some even consider them to be the same. This article from Tastessence will provide you with the differences and similarities between these root vegetables, and the various ways they are incorporated in the diet, all over the world.

Separate mounds of potato starch and potato flour beside whole and halved raw potatoes on a wooden surface

What is the Difference Between Potato Starch and Potato Flour?

Understanding the basic concept of potato starch vs. potato flour can help you choose a correct ingredient for your recipe. While describing the nutritional value and the taste of these potato products, this Tastessence article also explains how to use them in cooking. Read on to get the details.

Bundles of flat-leaf parsley and cilantro side by side, showing their different leaf shapes

Parsley Vs. Cilantro: Little Things That Make All the Difference

There are some who will sound off about the health benefits of parsley and cilantro and can even resort to fighting it out in the ring. While there are some who continue to mistake cilantro for parsley and vice-versa. We aim to settle the Parsley Vs. Cilantro botanical battle and we are pretty sure it’s going to be a tie.

Open jars of chunky fruit jam and smooth, translucent jelly side by side on a wooden counter

Ever Wondered What’s the Difference Between Jam and Jelly?

Regardless of what the label reads, have you ever wondered what the actual difference between a jam and a jelly is? If not, then Tastessence will give you the breakdown on their distinguishing factors, even when they taste alike.

Coarse smoked salt crystals being sprinkled from a small dish onto a sunny-side-up fried egg

How to Use Smoked Salt

Infused with an amazing smokey flavor, this gourmet salt is notoriously famous for adding a rich, flame-grilled touch to your dishes. Try incorporating smoked salt in your recipes with some helpful recipes and tips compiled by Tastessence.

Sliced cotto salami fanned on a wooden board next to the whole peppercorn-studded chub

What is Cotto Salami? You Gotta Check This Out NOW

This piece from Tastessence brings to light what exactly cotto salami is and a couple of recipes for you to understand the dish better. There’s also a section that differentiates between cotto salami, hard salami, and genoa salami.

A cruet of champagne vinegar beside a bowl of herb-flecked potato salad and fresh grapes on a wooden counter

Chef’s Diary: Things You Need to Know About Champagne Vinegar

The light, crisp, champagne vinegar, a fermentation product of sparkling wine, is ideal for dressings and marinades. Along with some basic facts about champagne vinegar, Tastessence presents information on champagne vinegar recipe, uses, and substitutes.

Three bowls showing chunky pico de gallo, roasted salsa, and thin picante sauce with fresh tomatoes and jalapeño

Difference Between Salsa, Picante Sauce, and Pico de Gallo

There seems to be a tremendous amount of confusion about the variety of sauces available in the Mexican food aisle. But with this Tastessence post, you will understand the difference between salsa, picante sauce, and pico de gallo once and for all.

Unlabeled energy drink can beside coffee beans, guarana berries, and wormwood sprig on a bar counter

List of Ingredients in Four Loko

What does the much talked-about Four Loko contain? Why was this energy drink banned and eventually shut down? Tastessence comes up with the answers.

A plate of stir-fried chow mein noodles beside a bowl of chop suey with vegetables and chicken

Chow Mein and Chop Suey: What’s the Real Difference Between Them?

Chinese food is loved the world over. Tastessence tells you about two of the most popular Chinese dishes which are savored all around the globe; chow mein and chop suey. Take a look at the nutrition facts, ingredients, and cooking style of each of these, and also a conclusion upon which is healthier.

Side-by-side bowls of glossy sauced lo mein noodles and stir-fried chow mein with vegetables

Chow Mein Vs. Lo Mein Noodles

There are many types of noodles that are available, plus there are ample number of ways to cook them. Among all of them, Tastessence does a quick Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein analysis for you to know the subtle differences between the two most commonly consumed noodles.

Three types of Mexican cheese, crumbly, soft, and braided, arranged together on a wooden board

A Guide to Understand Mexican Cheese Types

One common trait shared by quesadillas, tacos, and chile rellenos, is that these dishes are incomplete without cheese. But if you can’t tell one Mexican cheese type from another, don’t lose heart. You will be dishing out one delicious cheesy recipe after another, once you go through this Tastessence article.

A picnic blanket set for two with fruit lemonades, chilled gazpacho, and spinach dip

Romantic Picnic Food Ideas for Couples

For a romantic and memorable picnic, apart from choosing a delightful location, the selection of food needs to take top priority as well. Tastessence has put together a few suggestions on what you can pack for a romantic picnic with your beloved.

Two toast triangles spread with thick, glossy dark yeast extract, showing subtle differences in texture and sheen

Marmite Vs. Vegemite - Which is Better?

Who could’ve imagined that a battle between yeast spreads would reach epic proportions? Which is why, Tastessence does a quick Marmite vs. Vegemite analysis and tells you like it is.

Fresh organic produce being unpacked from a delivery box next to an open laptop on a kitchen table

Where to Buy Organic Food Online

To buy fresh organic food, you do not necessarily have to go to a store. Instead, you can shop online from the comfort of your home. If you are wondering where to buy organic food online, then this Tastessence article provides a list of great online organic food stores.

A casual burger and fries plated beside an elegant fine-dining dish on a restaurant table

8 Popular Types of Restaurants

With so many different restaurants around the world, there are only a few types we frequent. The reason we prefer these over the rest is because a certain aspect about them appeals to us. Take a look at some of the popular types of restaurants to know them better.

Two similar white cheese blocks, one softer and duller, one smoother and glossier, side by side on a wooden board

Difference Between Neufchatel Cheese and Cream Cheese

Although both soft white cheese appear the same, there is a significant difference between Neufchâtel cheese and cream cheese. In this Tastessence article, we outline some of the key differences between these cheese variants.

Grilled ribs glazed with barbecue sauce, basting brush and bottles of sauce nearby

7 Best Barbecue Sauce Brands

Barbecue sauces and meats go hand in hand, and while nothing can match up to homemade sauces, there are a few brands that dole out some exceptional-tasting ones. Let’s take a look at these brands in the following Tastessence article.

Several unlabeled blocks of butter in varying shades of yellow arranged on a wooden board

Top 6 Butter Brands in America

While some of us simply can’t live without butter, the rest of us are too health-conscious to enjoy it. Irrespective of the category we fall in, it’s important to know which brand of best-tasting butter we should purchase the next time we go grocery shopping.

An assortment of unlabeled hot sauce bottles surrounded by fresh red chili peppers on a wooden table

9 Popular Hot Sauce Brands

Those of you who are addicted to spicy food know what hot sauces are all about. However, if you’re among those who shun away from hot sauces fearing their aftermath, let’s take a look at some hot sauce brands that offer great flavor, and not just heat.

A rolling pin, pastry board, and pasta cutter arranged with fresh dough on a flour-dusted kitchen counter

7 Basic Tools Needed to Make Awesome Pasta at Home

Fresh pasta is definitely more flavorful than the dried one you get from stores. Homemade pasta is not complicated, but calls for effort and elbow grease. For all pasta fiends out there, here’s a list of the basic tools you need to make awesome pasta at home.

A stack of glossy food magazines on a wooden table beside a cup of coffee

Top 10 Magazines for Food Lovers

Food magazines are packed with inspiring recipes and foolproof techniques to prepare sumptuous home-cooked meals. While there are scores of different magazines being published and sold, here’s Tastessence’s list of the top 10.