Often referred to as an enhancing spice, bay leaves act as a harmonious backdrop in recipes and allow your main ingredients to take center stage. Though they don’t taste like much, bay leaves’ absences can result in a lack of depth in dishes such as beef stew and biryani. With their herbal notes and delicate fragrance, bay leaves play a discreet yet powerful role in Mama’s Chili Oil.

Originating in the Americas, these fiery chilis embarked on an adventure when Portuguese traders brought them to Asia during the 16th century. The age-old preservation method allowed folks to savor their intense heat and smoky essence all year round. Often lightly fried in a bit of oil with other aromatics, dried red chilis provide a concentrated flavor and depth that is essential to many Asian cuisines.

Garlic – it's pungent, it's unique, and when you sauté or roast it, your kitchen is filled with a delicious and unmistakable aroma. Originating from Central Asia, this savory staple has transcended borders and centuries to cement its place in kitchens worldwide. In Golden Shallot Oil, we fry our red shallots in garlic-infused oil to give it more umami.

With a history of cultivation spanning thousands of years, purple/red onions are known for their vibrant color and distinctive smell. Imparting a gentler essence compared to their white or yellow counterparts, they bring just the right balance of sweet and peppery to your dishes. Found in Golden Shallot Oil.

Usually described as a cross between garlic and onion, red shallots offer a gentle taste that grows sweeter and more delicate as they cook. Because they release less moisture compared to onions during cooking, red shallots are ideal for crisping up and using as a crunchy garnish for savory dishes. Found in Golden Shallot Oil and Mama's Chili Oil.

Cultivated in Sanxing Township in Taiwan, “four season” scallions are beloved throughout the island nation for a reason. Available year-round (hence the name), these green onions are not only refreshingly sweet and succulent, but they’re also packed with nutrients, thanks to Sanxing’s rich soil and perfect climate. Found in Four Season Scallion Sauce.

Grown from the flowering Sesamum plant, sesame seeds are known for their slight sweetness and delightful crunch. These tiny but mighty seeds are extremely versatile – a sprinkle of them can help enhance any dish with their nutty essence. Derived from the toasted seeds is sesame oil, rich in antioxidants and often used in salad dressings and marinades.

Sichuan peppercorns need no introduction – you know them from their tingly, mouth-numbing qualities. Hailing from China’s Sichuan province, these potent peppercorns have the ability to transform simple ingredients into complex and flavorful dishes. Aromatic and tantalizing, they play a pivotal role in Mama’s Chili Oil, adding an extra layer of mala (“numbing-spicy”) and fragrance to any dish you prepare.

Commonly found in Asian cuisines, star anise is best known for its licorice-like taste and recognizable star shape. When used in recipes, it’s typically added whole to impart flavor, then removed before serving as they can be hard to bite into. Along with cinnamon, fennel, Sichuan peppercorn, and cloves, star anise is one of the key players in five spice powders. Found in Mama’s Chili Oil.

Prized for their bold flavor and numerous health benefits, the humble onion is one of the most multidimensional and powerful ingredients in the world. Once caramelized, onion’s rich sweetness and complexity makes them excellent additions to most savory dishes. Or pickle them for some freshness and crunch!