Ingredients from A to Z

Cherry syrup is a sweet liquid made from cherry juice or extract, sugar, and water. It has a rich, fruity, and slightly tart flavour that resembles fresh cherries. In the kitchen, it is most commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails, lemonades, and soft drinks, where it adds a beautiful deep red colour. It is also used to flavour desserts, ice cream, pancakes, or as a base for fruit sauces. Homemade versions tend to be more aromatic than commercially produced ones. The syrup can easily be prepared by simmering cherries with sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Cherry tea is a fruit tea with an intense sweet-tart cherry flavour. It is most commonly made from dried cherries, cherry skins or their extracts, sometimes blended with black tea or herbs. It is popular for its bold flavour and beautiful ruby-red colour. In the kitchen, it works well as a base for iced fruit teas, summer drinks or homemade fruit syrups. The brewed tea can be used as a liquid in cakes, chocolate desserts or sauces for red meat, where the cherry tartness beautifully balances the richness of the dish.

Cherry tomatoes jsou malé, kulaté nebo oválné rajčata s intenzivní sladkou chutí a tenkou slupkou. Díky své velikosti a přirozené sladkosti jsou oblíbené jako rychlá svačina, do salátů, příloh nebo jako ozdoba. Skvěle se hodí do těstovinových salátů, na pizzu, k bruschettě nebo jednoduše k jídlu z ruky. Existují v různých barevných odrůdách, červené, žluté, oranžové a dokonce černé. Obsahují lykopen, vitamin C a antioxidanty, které prospívají celkovému zdraví. V létě, když dozrávají přirozeně na slunci, je jejich chuť a aroma nejlepší.

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) je jemná jednoletá bylina z čeledi mrkvovitých, blízce příbuzná petrželi. Pochází z Kavkazu a Blízkého východu, odkud se rozšířila do Evropy. Listy jsou jemně peřité a světle zelené barvy. Co se týče chuti, připomíná kombinaci petržele a anýzu s jemným nádechem fenyklu. Je jednou z klasických francouzských bylinek fines herbes a široce se používá v francouzské kuchyni. Skvěle se hodí do polévek, omáček, salátů a k rybám a drůbeži. Vždy by se měla přidávat na konci vaření, protože teplo rychle snižuje její aroma. Čerstvý kerblík je nejvíce voňavý krátce po sklizni.

Chestnut purée is a smooth paste made from cooked and blended edible chestnuts. It has a gently sweet, nutty flavour and a creamy texture. In the kitchen it is used primarily in desserts, the most classic application is the famous French sweet Mont Blanc, as well as fillings for cakes and stuffed pancakes. It also works well as a side dish with game or as a base for soups. Chestnut purée is naturally gluten-free, rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibre and B vitamins. It can be bought ready-made or easily prepared at home from fresh chestnuts.

Chestnuts are the fruits of the deciduous tree Castanea sativa, a beloved autumn delicacy. Unlike other nuts, they contain very little fat but are rich in starch, dietary fibre and B vitamins. Their flavour is gently sweet and nutty. They can be roasted, boiled or grilled. In the kitchen they feature in soups, poultry stuffings, risottos, baked goods and desserts. They are also the key ingredient for chestnut purée, chestnut flour and liqueurs. Roasted chestnuts are a popular street food enjoyed throughout Europe during the autumn months.

Chia seeds come from the plant Salvia hispanica, originally cultivated in Mexico and Guatemala. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, calcium, and antioxidants. In the kitchen, they are valued especially for their ability to absorb water, when soaked, they form a gel that works as a thickener or egg substitute. They are added to yogurts, smoothies, porridges, puddings, and baked goods. They have a very mild flavor, making them easy to incorporate into any dish. They are a popular staple in healthy and plant-based diets.

Chicken is one of the most popular and widely consumed poultry meats in the world. Thanks to its mild flavour and versatility, it is suitable for a countless variety of dishes, from soups and broths to roasts, grills, and wok cooking. Chicken meat is low in fat and rich in protein, B vitamins, and minerals such as selenium and phosphorus. A whole chicken can be roasted whole or broken down into parts, breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings, or a carcass for stock. Proper heat treatment is important for food safety, chicken should always be cooked through to a core temperature of at least 74 °C.

Chicken breast is one of the most popular ingredients in modern cooking. It is a lean white meat with low fat content and high protein value, suitable for a countless number of dishes. It can be grilled, pan-fried, roasted in the oven, braised or steamed. Its neutral flavour allows excellent combinations with herbs, spices, sauces and marinades. It is an indispensable ingredient in salads, wraps, pasta dishes and soups. In fitness and diet cooking, it is an absolute staple food. The meat is juiciest when not overcooked, the ideal internal temperature is 74 °C. Available fresh or frozen, with or without skin.

A chicken carcass is the bony frame left after deboning a chicken, it consists of the backbone, ribs, neck and any remaining cartilaginous parts. In the kitchen it is used almost exclusively for making stocks and soup bases, where long, slow simmering releases collagen, minerals and a rich meaty flavour into the liquid. A good carcass stock sets to a jelly-like consistency once cooled, thanks to its natural collagen content. Roasting the carcass in the oven before boiling gives the stock a darker colour and a deeper, caramelised flavour. It is an economical ingredient that minimises waste while forming the backbone of both home and professional cooking.

Chicken drumsticks are the lower part of the chicken leg, separated from the thigh at the joint. They are loved for their juiciness, rich flavour, and convenient shape that makes them easy to hold while eating. They are most commonly prepared by oven roasting, grilling, braising, or frying. When cooked properly, the skin turns golden and wonderfully crispy. Marinating in herbs, garlic, citrus, or barbecue sauce greatly enhances their flavour. Drumsticks are a popular choice for family dinners, barbecues, and casual fast food meals. They are a good source of protein and a budget-friendly alternative to pricier chicken cuts.