shade, and in much of the world it still does.
Modern machine drying offers more control,
and can minimize the loss of light-sensitive
pigments and vitamin C, though it brings
flavor differences as well. Chillis are
sometimes smoke-dried (Mexican chipotles,
some Spanish pimentons), which lends a
characteristic note.
Other Temperate-Climate Spices
Hops Hops are the dried seed-bearing “cones”
of Humulus lupulus, a perennial native of the
Northern Hemisphere that is a relative of
marijuana and hemp. The hop plant was
cultivated in the Hallertau region of Germany
by the 8th century, and spread to Flanders by
the 14th. Though now used almost exclusively
in beer, they also flavor bread and are made
into an herbal tea. Hop aroma depends on the
variety, and may include woody, floral, and
complex sulfur notes. It’s described in more