Spices have been used for thousands of years to enhance the flavor of food and enrich cultural dishes around the world. Exploring the variety of spices available can open you up to new flavors and aromas that will transform your cooking.
One of the most popular and versatile spices is chili pepper. Chili peppers come in a range of heat levels, from the mild Anaheim to the fiery Ghost Pepper. Chili peppers add heat and spice to dishes like chili, tacos, and Thai curries. They are also commonly used in many Asian cuisines.
Another very common spice is cinnamon. Cinnamon comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree and is used in both sweet and savory dishes. Cinnamon is used in curries, stews, and mulled wine and also used to flavor desserts like apple pie, cinnamon buns, and bread pudding.
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that comes from a root. It has an earthy, bitter flavor and is essential for many Indian curries. Turmeric is also used in Moroccan and Middle Eastern cooking. Turmeric adds color and flavor to dishes like curries, stews, and rice dishes.
Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices in the world. Black pepper comes from peppercorns and has a spicy, pungent kick. Black pepper is used in almost every cuisine to add heat, aroma, and flavor. It is essential for dishes like steak au poivre, pasta dishes, and mashed potatoes.
Garlic is a popular spice used in many cuisines. Garlic adds an savory and pungent kick to dishes. Garlic is used in pasta sauces, chili, curries, and salad dressings. Roasted whole garlic has a sweet, mellow flavor and is delicious spread on bread.
Ginger is a fragrant spice used in both sweet and savory cooking. Fresh ginger has a zesty, spicy kick and is essential for Asian dishes like stir fries, curries, and marinades. Dried, ground ginger is more often used in baking and adds flavor to gingerbread, cookies, and cakes.
Cloves have an intensely aromatic, sweet flavor. Cloves are used in curries, stews, and mulled wine. They are also frequently used in desserts like fruit cakes, spice cakes, and cookies. Cloves have natural antiseptic properties and are used to flavor some liquors.
Nutmeg has a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. Nutmeg is used to flavor desserts like custards, fruit cakes, and eggnog. However, nutmeg also works well in hearty savory dishes like Bolognese sauce, cheese dishes, and vegetable gratins. Nutmeg is essential for classic French and Italian cooking.
Oregano has an earthy, herbaceous, and slightly bitter flavor. Oregano is mostly associated with Mediterranean and Italian cooking. It is essential for pizza and pasta sauces, Greek salads, and grilled meats. Oregano adds a savory kick to dishes like chili, stews, and bean dishes.
Rosemary has a distinctive piney, woodsy flavor. Rosemary is used to flavor tomato sauces, roasted meats like lamb, chicken, and potatoes. Rosemary also works well in salad dressings, breads, and olive oil. Rosemary adds an aromatic, earthy flavor to Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Thyme has an earthy, herbaceous flavor with subtle minty notes. Thyme is used to flavor meats, tomato sauces, stews, and vegetable dishes. Thyme is essential for classic French and Mediterranean cooking, especially in dishes like bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and thyme potatoes.
Exploring new spices is a great way to enhance your cooking and bring exciting new flavors to your dishes. Even just becoming familiar with some of the most common spices can help transform your cooking and allow you to make delicious dishes from around the world.