Ingredients Everyone Should Have in their Pantry and Why - Les Gastronomes

Ingredients Everyone Should Have in their Pantry and Why

Les Gastronomes

Ingredients Everyone Should Have in their Pantry and Why

The contents of a pantry cupboard look different all around the world. This is because the way people eat around the world differs from one continent to the next. But which items are likely to be found in all pantries, regardless of their geographical location?

That’s exactly what we’re going to find out today. You never know when you may need to stock up on the essentials so it’s best to have the basics on hand at all times.

 

Olive Oil

Olive oil is an incredibly versatile ingredient, which is why it should come as no surprise that this features at the very top of our list of pantry must-haves. This liquid, used mainly for the cooking or frying of foods as well as for dressing salads, has been used since the 7th century.

 Almost every country on every continent, from Europe to Asia, makes use of olive oil and for good reason. Not only can olive oil be used in the creation or garnishing of delectable dishes but it could have many wonderous health benefits.  

Even though it’s found in pantries all over the world and is used to create dishes of all kinds of delicacies, olive oil is far from boring. Don’t believe us? Browse through our collection of olive oils and you’ll see what we mean.   

 

Grains, Seeds and Pasta

In some form or another grains, seeds and pasta are used by every nation on the planet. The grain family consists of rice, maize, soybeans, rye, barley, oats and more. There are more than 310 varieties of pasta that come in all shapes and sizes. And seeds? Seeds come in all kinds of varieties and different varieties are eaten in different parts of the world.

The most common seeds that are eaten all over the world include:

  • Ginnan
  • Wattleseed
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Sesame seeds
  • Quinoa

 

Mustard

Mustard didn’t garner the nickname “King of Condiments” for nothing. Made from the seeds of the mustard plant and mixed with other ingredients such as vinegar & lemon juice, this common condiment can be found in pantries everywhere from Bangladesh to the Bahamas.

The beauty of mustard is that its uses span far beyond a hotdog dressing. Mustard can be used in vinaigrettes, mayonnaise, barbeque sauce and marinades for different kinds of meats. It’s even used to make mustard soup in the Netherlands!

How can one ingredient be used in so many different dishes? It’s simple: mustard seeds come in a range of varieties that impact the final taste, strength, flavour and colour. Your mustard options range from the classic Dijon mustard to gourmet truffle mustards

 

Herbs and Spices

Most would agree that no meal is complete without a sprinkling of seasoning. While you may immediately assume that salt and pepper are the most popular spices in the world, you’d be incorrect in your assumption.

Research shows that—somewhat surprisingly—cumin is the most commonly used spice in the world. Who’d have thought it? Perhaps cumin made the cut because of its earthy, spicy flavor that has the ability to transform a dish with a simple sprinkle? Or maybe it’s the numerous health benefits associated with the spice?

Other popular herbs and spices that are present in pantries across the globe include coriander, garlic, ginger, parsley, cinnamon, paprika and oregano.

Don’t have any of these items in your pantry? Don’t worry! Plenty of these essential pantry ingredients can be found in right here in our online grocery store so go ahead and stock up on the staples. 

Which ingredients will always be found in your pantry? Share them with us in the comments section down below and who knows they may just find their way into our product offering. 

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