What is the Difference Between Seasoning and Flavoring?

The main difference between seasoning and flavoring lies in their purpose and effect on the food:

• Seasoning enhances or brings out the natural flavors of a food item without significantly changing its base taste. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, and acids such as lemon juice. Seasonings are usually added near the end of the cooking process.
• Flavoring adds a new flavor to a food item, changing or modifying its original flavor. Flavorings can be used to contrast a taste, create a unique flavor, or provide additional depth to the dish. Examples of flavorings include herbs, spices, and sauces. Flavorings can be added at any time during the cooking process.

Sometimes, the difference between seasoning and flavoring may depend on the amount of the ingredient used. For instance, adding a small amount of nutmeg to a dish is considered seasoning, while adding a considerable amount of nutmeg would be considered flavoring.

Comparative Table: Seasoning vs Flavoring

The difference between seasoning and flavoring lies in their impact on the food's taste. Here's a summary of their differences:

In summary, seasoning is used to bring out or intensify the natural flavor of a food without changing it, while flavoring is used to introduce a new flavor or modify the original flavor of a food item. The timing of when to add these ingredients can also vary, with seasonings typically added near the end of the cooking process and flavorings added at any time during cooking or even at the end.