21 Flavour Combinations to Avoid
Before we get to the successful flavour combinations, let’s look at a few combinations that most foodies agree don’t work. This does not, however, prevent cooks – and some food bloggers – from using them. Remember, this is just a guide.
basil + tarragon
cayenne + caviar
cayenne + delicate flavours
cayenne + truffles
chestnuts + berries
cilantro + Japanese cuisine
cilantro + oregano
coffee + lavender
pistachios + strawberries
rosemary + corn
rosemary + salads
rosemary + zucchini
smoked salmon + mayonnaise
smoked salmon + yoghurt
sorrel + salads
strawberries + salt
tarragon + desserts
tarragon + oregano
tarragon + rosemary
tarragon + sage
tarragon + sweet dishes
Pause and Reflect
Have you ever encountered any of these unsuccessful combinations? Share them in a Reply below.
I did fresh rosemary and zucchini I had to add other spices to try to fix it. The rosemary was way too strong for the flavor of the zucchini. But I do like my chili and chocolate.
Very informative.
I have seen chocolates with cayenne in. but haven’t tried it as I don’t eat chocolates.
I rather enjoy a lavender latte. But I live in a lavender growing area. We put it in a lot of things. And I don’t think it would be good in brewed coffee.
tarragon + rosemary
I made a venison stew recently and used both. now I know why it had that taste. It wasn’t bad but it didn’t help either.
A little mild salt on strawberries goes very well. I do this very often also with Apple. mango, watermelon and cantaloupe. It enhances the flavour.
I’ve encountered tarragon and rosemary in a dish at an Italian restaurant. Not at all successful. Thankfully the tiramisu was wonderful! 🙂
Cilantro + Oregano
I like to mix up my Greek yogurt with nuts and berries.
I have not mixed anything like the above combinations. I have however lost the top off the pepper over a soup, winding up with half cup of pepper overload. Haha
I sometimes like to brew herbs into my coffee, and can honestly say that coffee and lavender do NOT go well together!
No i cannot say i have eaten any of the combinations gone wrong of any of the above mentioned.
I have used strawberry in a salad with baby spinach, bacon and avo and a savoury dressing and i liked it.
Funny, I have never done any of these, probably because I dont usually use fresh herbs
I can’t say I have come across any of these.
Rosemary and Zucchini, – combined rosemary with dried breadcrumbs garlic and parmesan on zucchini- was great!
I have made some combination mistakes, but I can’t recall any of them now! I remember introducing my mom to lemon thyme once and she added it to mince meat and it really didn’t work! I do, however, use some red sorrel in my salads sometimes.
The nuts and berries part is weird to me as I love to mix it like that. As for the salmon I wouldn’t mind trying it with mayo, that could be wonderful. Interesting list but I do disagree with some of it. Odd to me how tarragon should not be mixed with so many different ones.. I will remember that.
Not these specific combinations.
This is informative, thank you
not really
I’ve done Rosemary and Zucchini together before. It was quite nice.