Necessity is the mother of invention, and in 2020, the need to learn how to work with different ingredients became even more essential.  Here are 10 different foods and ingredients we learned more about in 2020.

Unique apple types

Honeycrisp and Red Delicious still have their place in the apple hall of fame, but there are some unique varieties that deserve a chance.  Here are some other alternative apples you should try.

Read more: Unique apple varieties you need to try this fall »

Mochi

You’ve probably heard of – or even tried – ice-cream filled mochi, but this glutinous rice is taken to higher levels in Japan that are both sweet and savory.  Here’s how you can apply that knowledge to your own kitchen.

Read more: A brief history of mochi and how to cook with it »

The best of common fruits

Pears, lemons, limes…these are well-known and well-loved common fruits, but there are subgroups of these broad categories that are better than others. These are the best (and sometimes rare) versions of common fruits.

Read more: These are the best varieties of five common fruits »

Ghee

Ghee – the clarified butter that Indians have been utilizing for hundreds and hundreds of years – has made its way into American cooking. Here’s why it’s become more widely known, and why you should start using it, too.

Read more: What ghee is and why you should cook with it »

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are more than just a decoration!  You can cook with them, too.  But not all pumpkins are made for cooking, so here’s a guide to which varieties are great for culinary pursuits.

Read more: What types of pumpkins can you cook with? »