Ingredient list

The dill flower is both an ornamental and a culinary part of the dill plant. It appears as a yellow umbel-shaped blossom in summer. In the kitchen, it is primarily used when pickling cucumbers and other vegetables, where it contributes to the characteristic aroma and flavour of the brine. It can also be added to vinegar, herb-infused oils, or flavoured butter. In terms of taste, it is more pronounced than dill leaves but milder than the seeds, combining the freshness of dill with a gently spiced aroma. The flowers are harvested just before full bloom, when their fragrance is at its peak. Fresh flowers do not keep well, so they are typically used immediately after harvest.

Dill seeds are the ripe fruits of the dill plant and are a classic culinary spice. They are oval in shape and range in colour from greenish to brown. Their flavour is more intense than that of dill leaves, offering warm, slightly sweet notes with a hint of anise. They are widely used in pickling vegetables, especially cucumbers, as well as in bread dough, sauces, soups, and in Indian cuisine as part of spice blends. Before use, it is recommended to lightly crush or dry-toast the seeds to fully release their aroma. Store in a sealed container away from light.

Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or pitaya, comes from cacti of the genus Hylocereus and Selenicereus. The most common variety features a vibrant pink skin and white flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. The flavour is mild, lightly sweet, and refreshing, resembling a combination of kiwi and pear. It is eaten raw, simply cut in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon, or dice it into cubes. It works wonderfully in fruit salads, smoothies, yoghurt bowls, or as a decorative ingredient in desserts. It is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fibre, and magnesium. It is grown in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the Americas.

Dried apples are a popular sweet snack and versatile kitchen ingredient. They are made by dehydrating slices or rings of fresh apples, which concentrates their natural sweetness and characteristic fruity flavor. They are enjoyed as a healthy snack and added to muesli, granola, oatmeal, and energy bars. In baking, they are used in cakes, strudels, gingerbread, or Christmas cookies. They also pair well with game meat, savory sauces, and herbal tea blends. Rich in dietary fiber and naturally sweet, they also serve as a healthy alternative to processed sweets and confectionery.

Sušené meruňky jsou dehydratované plody meruňkového stromu, s výraznou sladkou chutí a mírně kyselým podtónem, zlatohnědou až tmavě hnědou barvou a žvýkavou texturou. Bohaté jsou na beta-karoten, železo, draslík a vlákninu. Jako zdravá svačina se hodí do müsli, ovocných salátů, kompotů nebo do pomalu vařených pokrmů z Blízkého východu, jako je tagine. Skvěle se kombinují se sladkými pečivy, müsli tyčinkami, cheesecaky a slanými pokrmy s drůbeží nebo jehněčím. Před použitím je možné je namočit do teplé vody nebo pomerančové šťávy, aby změkly a rozvinuly ještě výraznější chuť.

Dried bananas are a sweet, energy-dense snack popular as a healthy treat and an ingredient in baked goods and breakfast dishes. They are made by drying slices or whole bananas, concentrating their natural sweetness and fruity flavor. They are sold in two forms, as soft dried slices or crunchy banana chips. They are added to muesli, granola, oatmeal, smoothies, and energy bars. In baking, they serve as a natural sweetener and sugar substitute. Dried bananas are rich in potassium, magnesium, dietary fiber, and natural sugars, making them a suitable alternative to processed sweets and confectionery.

Sušené třešně jsou koncentrovanou pochoutkou s sladkou až mírně kyselou chutí a bohatou ovocnou vůní. Vznikají sušením zralých třešní, což umocňuje jejich přirozenou sladkost a prodlužuje trvanlivost. V kuchyni se přidávají do müsli, granoly, ovocných salátů, čokoládových dezertů, těst na sušenky nebo domácí čokoládové borky. Skvěle se kombinují s tmavou čokoládou, vlašskými ořechy a mandlemi. Jsou zdrojem vitaminu C, antioxidantů a přírodních cukrů. Používají se také jako dekorace na dorty nebo jako přísada do perníku a vánočního pečení. Namočení v rumu před přidáním do těsta ještě více prohloubí jejich chuť.

Dried figs are the dehydrated fruits of the common fig tree (Ficus carica), with a concentrated sweet flavor, a soft chewy texture, and characteristic tiny seeds inside. The drying process significantly increases their content of sugars, fiber, and minerals, particularly calcium, potassium, and iron. They make an excellent healthy snack and are also a popular ingredient in Christmas baked goods, fruit breads, cheese boards, and Middle Eastern dishes. They pair beautifully with blue cheese, nuts, honey, and cured meats. Before use in recipes, they can be soaked in water or rum to soften them.

Dried fruit is produced by removing most of the water from fresh fruit through drying, in the sun, in a food dehydrator, or in an oven. The result is a concentrated flavour, higher sugar content, and a long shelf life. The most popular varieties include raisins, prunes, apricots, figs, dates, cranberries, and mango. In the kitchen it is used in baking, muesli, granola, salads, braised meats, sauces, or enjoyed as a snack on its own. It contains fibre, minerals, and antioxidants, though it is high in natural sugars. It stores well at room temperature and serves as a practical year-round alternative to fresh fruit.

Dried hibiscus flowers are the dried calyces of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), with a vivid ruby-red color and a pleasantly tart, cranberry-like fruity taste. They are most often used to make hibiscus tea and the Mexican drink agua de Jamaica, as well as syrups, compotes, jams, marinades, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic cocktails. Steeped in hot water they release a deep red infusion rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C. Store dry, dark, and airtight.

Dried lingonberries are dehydrated fruits of the lingonberry plant (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), most often sweetened, with a characteristic tangy to sweet-sour flavour and a vivid dark red colour. They are a popular addition to muesli, porridge, baked goods, and savoury dishes, they pair particularly well with game, pork, and poultry. Unlike cranberries, lingonberries are smaller, slightly less tart, and closely associated with Scandinavian and Central European cuisine. Thanks to their high antioxidant and vitamin C content, they are considered a health-beneficial food. They can be added to trail mixes, or soaked and used in sauces and compotes.