Yes wrote:

> Are there any tips to taste test combinations of spices and herbs
> without having to preparing an entire meal? I'd like to learn and
> experiment but cheaply :-)
>
> For example, would something like cooking boiled rice or mashed
> potatoes be sufficient to test how different combinations of herbs and
> spices might taste? It seems like that would be cheaper than cooking
> a full-fledged meal just to taste test a combo of say oregano and
> basil compared to oregano and thyme. for that matter, would just
> dumping combinations of spices and herbs into boiling water be enough
> to get an idea of the taste?

One of the better "supports" for tastings is bread, just white non-fancy
bread. It's used in olive oil tastings, for cheese tastings... why not use
it for spice / herbs tastings? Maybe with a very delicate oil to facilitate
the tasting by the tongue, since dry substances do not stimulate properly
--
"Un pasto senza vino e' come un giorno senza sole"
Anthelme Brillat Savarin