Award-winning cookbook author and television host Padma Lakshmi, inspired by her life of traveling across the globe, brings together the world???s spices and herbs in a vibrant, comprehensive alphabetical guide. This definitive culinary reference book is illustrated with rich color photographs that capture the essence of a diverse range of spices and their authentic flavors.

Encyclopaedia of Spices and Herbs includes complete descriptions, histories and cooking suggestions for ingredients from basic herbs to the most exotic seeds andchilies, as well as information on toasting spices, making teas and infusing various oils and vinegars. And no other market epitomizes Padma???s love for spices and global cuisine than where she spent her childhood???lingering in the aisles of the iconic gourmet food store Kalustyan???s, in New York City.