Ingredients from A to Z

Cottage cheese is a fresh curd cheese with a characteristic grainy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavour. It is made from skimmed cow's milk, giving it a low fat content and high protein content, which makes it popular in fitness and weight-loss diets. It is served with fruit, vegetables or herbs as a light breakfast or snack. In the kitchen, it can be used as a substitute for quark in cake fillings, pastries or savoury dips. It also works well in pasta dishes and baked meals. Its neutral flavour allows it to easily absorb the aroma of other ingredients.

Country seasoning is an aromatic spice blend typically used for grilling and roasting meat, especially chicken, pork, or lamb. The exact composition varies by brand, but it generally contains paprika, garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and dried herbs. This spice mix has its roots in American cuisine and evokes a rustic, countryside style of cooking. It is suitable for marinating meat, flavoring sauces, and as a seasoning for vegetables. Thanks to its balanced composition, it gives dishes a full, aromatic flavor without excessive heat.

Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from durum wheat semolina. It consists of tiny granules that can be prepared very quickly, simply pour boiling water or broth over them and let them rest for a few minutes. The flavor is mild and neutral, which makes it excellent at absorbing the aromas of spices and other ingredients. It is used as a side dish for meat and vegetables, but also works well in cold salads or soups. In Moroccan tagines and tabbouleh-style dishes it is absolutely essential. The wholegrain version has a more pronounced nutty flavor and a higher fiber content. Couscous is valued for its quick preparation and versatility in the kitchen.

Crab is a marine crustacean and one of the most popular seafood choices, known for its sweet and subtly salty flavor. The meat is found mainly in the claws and body, and is characterized by a white to pinkish color with a firm yet juicy texture. In the kitchen, it is used in a wide range of dishes, added to soups, risottos, pasta, and salads, or served on its own with butter and lemon. It is most commonly available fresh, frozen, or canned. Crab is a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin B12. It is especially popular in Asian, Mediterranean, and American cuisines.

Crab meat is one of the most prized seafood ingredients, valued for its delicate, sweet-salty flavor and fibrous, juicy texture. It is sourced from various crab species, most commonly king crab, snow crab, or common crab. The meat is found in the claws, legs, and body. In the kitchen, it is used in salads, soups, pasta, risotto, sushi, and as a filling for tacos or stuffed pancakes. It is available fresh, frozen, pasteurized, or canned. Crab meat is an excellent source of easily digestible protein, selenium, zinc, and vitamin B12. It pairs beautifully with citrus fruits, butter, fresh herbs, or spicy sauces.

Crab sticks are a popular food product made from minced fish, most commonly Alaska pollock, flavored and shaped to mimic the taste and appearance of crab meat. Although they rarely contain actual crab meat, they are widely enjoyed due to their availability, affordability, and pleasant flavor. Their distinctive orange color and soft, fibrous texture make them a popular ingredient in Japanese sushi, especially in the California roll, as well as in salads, spreads, rice bowls, and soups. They require no cooking and are very easy to use. They are a source of protein, though they tend to be higher in sodium and may contain various food additives.

Cracked pepper is a coarsely crushed form of peppercorns, sitting between whole peppercorns and finely ground pepper. It retains a bold aroma and sharp flavour, while dispersing more easily and evenly through a dish than whole peppercorns. It is especially well suited for coating steaks, the classic preparation being steak au poivre. It is also used in marinades, salad dressings, sauces, and soups. The coarsely cracked form can easily be prepared at home using a mortar and pestle or a coarsely set pepper mill. It is noticeably more aromatic than pre-ground pepper.

Cracked wheat is coarsely milled wheat whose kernels have been mechanically broken into irregular pieces. Compared to fine semolina, it has a rougher texture and a more pronounced wheat flavour. It is primarily used to prepare porridges, soups, and side dishes, but also works well in baked goods, where it adds a coarser texture and a nutty aroma. It is a rich source of complex carbohydrates, proteins, B vitamins, and fibre. It keeps you full for longer and releases energy slowly, making it a suitable part of a balanced diet. In some regions, it is combined with milk as a nutritious porridge for both children and adults.

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are larger red berries cultivated primarily in North America on flooded bogs. Compared to European lingonberries, cranberries have significantly larger fruits (up to 2 cm), a more sour taste and less astringency. In the kitchen, they are used primarily dried as a snack in salads, muesli and baked goods, as well as in juice, compote or sauce form. Cranberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to turkey at American Thanksgiving. They are valued for their high content of proanthocyanidins and vitamin C.

Cranberry juice is a vividly red, tart to slightly sweet juice pressed from cranberries. It has a fresh, mildly astringent taste and a high content of antioxidants and vitamin C. It is used as a soft drink, is a key ingredient in the Cosmopolitan and Sea Breeze cocktails, and works in marinades, dressings, and sweet-and-sour sauces for meat and poultry. Sold both pure and as a sweetened drink. refrigerate after opening.

Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans that have been prized as a culinary delicacy across Europe for centuries. They thrive in clean, well-oxygenated streams and rivers, and the purity of their habitat directly influences the quality of their flavour. The meat is delicate, slightly sweet and firm in texture, with the most edible portions found in the claws and tail. In the kitchen, crayfish are used in festive soups, bisque, creamy sauces, and risottos, or served as an elegant garnish on starters. Traditionally, live crayfish are cooked in salted water with dill. Due to their protected status and limited availability, they are considered a true gourmet ingredient.

Cream is a dairy product with a high fat content, obtained by separating the fat component from cow's milk. Depending on the fat content, it is divided into whipping cream (30-40%), cooking cream (15-20%) and sour cream. In the kitchen it is indispensable, it enriches sauces, soups and risottos, and forms the base of creamy desserts, cake fillings and savoury dishes. Whipping cream is beaten until stiff and used to decorate pastries or added to coffee. Thanks to its high fat content, it is more heat-stable than milk and is less likely to curdle during cooking. It adds a rich, creamy flavour and smooth texture to dishes.