Glossary

A large group of one-celled microorganisms widely distributed in nature. See also microorganism.

Bahārāt is an aromatic blend of spices native to the Middle East, including black peppercorns, allspice, cassia bark, coriander, cardamom, chili peppers or paprika, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin.The amount of added spices influences the final aroma, which is typically smoky, sweet, and spicy. Bahārāt can be used as a seasoning for fish and meat, it is commonly added to soups and stews, but it also works well in marinades or as a dry rub.

A mixture of baking soda and an acid. Used as a raising agent. Produces carbon dioxide gas when combined with water or another liquid.

A raising agent commonly used in baking. Produces carbon dioxide gas when combined with an acid, e.g., vinegar, lemon juice, buttermilk, yogurt, or cream of tartar.

A diet that provides adequate amounts of all the nutrients in appropriate proportions.

The balance sheet reports what a company owns at a specific date (assets, liabilities and equity).

In order for the balance sheet to be deemed "balanced," the total assets of the company must equal the total liabilities plus equity.

Assets = Liabilities + Equity

The logic behind it is that whatever the company owns (its assets) must be financed either through borrowing money (debt), raising capital from investors (issue shares of stock), or by using retained earnings. Therefore, the balance sheet shows how the company uses its assets and how those assets are financed (liabilities part of the statement).

Compare: Income Statement

Balao balao is condiment from the Phillipines made from fermented cooked rice and shrimp (Penaeus indicus or Macrobrachium species). The mixture becomes acidic during fermentation, and the shrimp shell reddens and softens. It is commonly prepared for the table in sauteed form and is eaten either as an appetizer or main dish.

The washed shrimp is mixed with salt (about 20 percent w/w) and left for 2 hours or overnight. The shrimp are then drained, mixed with cooled cooked rice, and fermented at room temperature for 7 to 10 days.

An obstacle. Barriers to entry for entrepreneurs can range from high startup costs to regulatory hurdles.

Any substance that increases the concentration of hydroxide (OH-) ions when added to a water solution. When added to an acid, a base accepts hydrogen ions from the acid and will form a salt.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the better known culinary herbs. Genovese basil or sweet basil has large, soft leaves and is the main ingredient in traditional pesto and represents the 'green' of the Italian flag on a pizza Margarita (Red = tomato, white = Mozarella cheese). It is also served with sliced Mozarella and tomatoes as a salad or appetizer.

Greek bush basil varieties (Ocimum basilicum v. minimum) have small leaves with an intense aroma, and grow as perennials.

Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflorum) also known as 'Horapha' plays an important role in Asian cooking.

Indian holy basil, also called Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is used as a medicinal herb in teas.

Some basil varieties have red to dark purple leaves, others have a citrus aroma.

Descriptions of the above species and many more varieties can be found here.

A large number of wild Ocimum species exist, especially in Africa. A list with images can be found here and here.