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Andrew Zimmern Says He 'Can't Exist' Without These 3 Spices And Herbs By Alexandra Fay Nov. 12, 2025 6:20 pm EST

When asked to choose just three flavor essentials, Andrew Zimmern didn't hesitate. "I can't exist without hot chilies, shallots, and citrus... lemon. I'll pick lemon," he told The Tim Ferriss Show . To him, these aren't just spices — they're the foundation of good cooking. Each one brings acid, depth, and contrast, the building blocks of flavor balance.

Zimmern explained that chilies, shallots , and lemon all contain natural acids, which help create "a more symphonic taste experience." He layers them the way a painter layers color — lemon zest, juice, and roasted slices, hitting different notes in the same dish. It's why his wife's roast chicke

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