When I travel abroad I am usually carrying ingredients like za'atar for family and friends - or bringing back hard-to find-in-Israel items for my own use. So many times I have had sack fulls of Greek oregano or other green herbs that resemble contraband and have worried a bit that I would be stopped. But the aromas are so distinct that my bag of camomile flowers is considered harmless.

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If you have the chance, it is worth it. Products like black pepper from Cambodia, cinnamon from VietNam, and Jamaican escallion make all the difference to the bite and impact of the dish.