There are a few core spices that are used in Indian food that give it the unique aroma that lingers for days. Sprinkle black cumin seeds on a salad or combine them with lemon for a savory sauce. It is often also used in desserts and sweet treats that call for a subtle spice kick. While pumpkin spice is a primary ingredient of pumpkin pie, it has also become popular as a flavor enhancer for coffee and other sweet drinks. Like most of the sweeter herbs and spices, it can be used in sweet and savory dishes. What Herbs and Spices Are Used in Asian Cuisine? Some of the most common dishes that star this spice as its main ingredient are masala chai, Vietnamese pho, and the French mulled wine called vin chaud, which translates to hot wine in English. Celery seeds are actually a member of the parsley family. Moreover, it is believed to have the ability to treat depression and arthritis. Garlic is a bulb that can add a lot of flavor and potency to any meal. Mustard seeds consist of a nutty and smoky flavor that is best released when they are cooked in oil or when they are crushed. Also, according to historical evidence, fennel was hung over doorways to ward off evil spirits, especially during the Middle Ages era. The versatile flavor of this incredible spice also makes it an excellent addition to citrus drinks, lemonades, and margaritas. Don’t make the common mistake that Mexcian cooking is just about the chiles. [hr] 1. Anise has a flavor similar to licorice. However, it is native to the Molucca Islands which is now a part of Indonesia. This is a famous hot chili pepper that is related to other hot peppers like jalapeno. What’s the difference between herbs and spices? Cardamom. Some of its medical benefits include relief from muscle spasms and flatulence. The Flatpack is an easy-to-store, easy-to-use resealable bag that will change the way you use spices. Every Flatpack ships for free, even if you order just one. It primarily grows in Southwest India and in the Eastern Himalayas. This is the flavor profile used to describe potatoes or beets, foods that are intimately tied to the earth. Paprika is a type of pepper. Ground from sweet red pepper pods, paprika is ideal for preparing everything from seafood to red meat. Common spices can include cinnamon, black pepper, garlic, and ginger. Cooking with spices or using them for medicinal purposes can take some getting used to, but it's fun to experiment. Thai cuisine uses galangal in almost all of its dishes from tom yum soup to numerous curries and gravies. Ginger doesn’t taste sweet, but instead very strong and spicy, yet it has sweet undertones that work well with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom that are naturally sweet tasting. You will be surprised to know how many different spices there are, all with their unique taste, characteristics, flavors, and aromas. Here are some of the best sweet potato spices: Rosemary Some common medicinal uses of ajwain include relief from indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Each Flatpack contains the same quantity of spice (1/2 cup) as our jars. Use them in soups and stews to add a subtle hint of celery flavor. It has a citrus-like flavor and tang. Curry powder is a blend of many sweet and savory spices, like coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, clove, bay leaf, etc. It is the most convenient spice that … Indian food is unimaginable without spices. Ground fennel is widely featured in dishes originating from Scandinavia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Caraway seeds have long been associated with a multitude of health benefits that include relief from constipation, ease of digestion, cholesterol reduction, and treatment for cramps. Since ancient Greece times, pepper has been a much cherished and prestigious spice because it was used as both, a currency, as well as, a sacred offering. This spice is also known as “Chinese Cinnamon” and is often confused with the other ‘true’ cinnamon; however, it is actually a member of the pea family. Its texture is quite similar to that of caraway seeds and it is also often used in baked foods to get that depth of flavor and smell. True cinnamon is softer and sweeter than the Cassia variety. Savory is an herb similar to mint. It's no wonder that this is a spice rack staple. Star Anise is a small seed that comes from a star shaped pod of an evergreen tree. As the name suggests, this spice sports a mid-brown color. Peppercorns are the berries that black, green, and pink pepper are derived from. The word ‘sumac’ is believed to have come from the Old French during the period of the 13th century which translates to ‘red’ in the English language. Fennel has a licorice taste similar to anise. Turmeric. Nutmeg is a seed commonly used with cinnamon in baked goods, but it also offers other benefits. Use it with honey to make tasty baked goods. The intense color of this spice gives curries and other dishes a beautiful golden shade and a strong flavor that greatly intensifies the overall taste of any dish. Latin name: Nigella sativa. This spice consists of a warm, fruity flavor, and a sweet aroma which is why they are also featured in a variety of tea blends and tisanes. Ajwain seeds are small and oval-shaped and greatly resemble many other spice seeds including cumin, caraway, and fennel. Black cardamom, on the other hand, consists of a very strong smoky flavor so it is often used in spicy rice dishes and curries. There are actually numerous varieties of chili pepper. I love fresh ginger in stir frys, marinades, grated into sugar cookies batter, in muffins, curries, etc. An aromatic spice with a bittersweet flavor, cinnamon makes a lovely addition to baked goods and coffee drinks, and it also contributes an earthy flavor to curries, chilis, and stews. Cardamom has a strong, pungent flavor that has subtle hints of lemon and mint. Cardamom has a spicy-sweet taste that works well with cinnamon and honey. Fenugreek is largely cultivated in the Near East and it is widely believed that the Romans used to flavor their wine with this spice during the first century AD. Its popularity largely stems from its ability to add an incredible depth of flavor along with potency to any dish or meal. This spice is popularly used in sweets and desserts like custards, puddings and cakes, as well as in savory dishes like soups, soufflés, sauces, etc. Herbs come from the leaves of a plant [source: Thekitchn]. Why wasn't this page useful? Most people prefer using freshly grounded cumin in curry recipes and vegetable dishes to get the most of that intense, nutty –spicy flavor. Interestingly, it is a very versatile spice so it can be used to intensify both sweet and savory flavors. Green Cardamom Pods {Elaichi} –Elaichi, a sweet and aromatic spice, is a must-have for Indian desserts and is equally critical for curries and pulaos.When using the whole pod, it should be removed before consuming the dish. Cassia is frequently sold as a type of cinnamon, but is actually a member of the pea family. Coriander produces natural citrus flavors when ground up. They consist of a nutty bittersweet flavor that is more towards the pungent side. Use it when making breads from rice as a flavorful binder. Also called “the fish herb” in Italy and France, Fennel seed is found in two main varieties. Sweet licorice flavor. Sprinkle black cumin seeds on a salad or combine them with lemon for a savory sauce. Most have varying degrees of spiciness. Read all about the different types of spices and pick your favorite ones! Surprisingly, cayenne peppers are considered to be the ‘king’ of medicinal herbs, especially due to the fact that they have been used since ancient times to treat a variety of health problems and ailments. Since it isn't often found in stores, you'll probably need to grow your own. thyrsiflora) Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) Indian Bay leaf, tejpat, malabathrum (Cinnamomum tamala) Boldo (Peumus boldus) Borage (Borago officinalis) Blue fenugreek, blue melilot (Trigonella caerulea) Turmeric provides anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it can be helpful with a long list of conditions and disorders brought about by excessive inflammation. Phil Sellens / Flickr / CC BY 2.0. Though most gardeners think of using herbs such as garlic and oregano with strong aromatic flavors in soups and sauces, many herbs have a sweeter taste. It has a similar flavor to Nutmeg, but is more subtle and less intense. An interesting historical fact about cloves is that before approaching their Emperor, the Chinese had to have a few cloves in their mouth as a way of sweetening their breath. All Rights Reserved. You probably aren’t even aware of most it! And for desserts, discard the outer pod and use a mortar and pestle to grind the seeds into a coarse powder. Cardamom, Ground. Interestingly though, this spice is also used to make ‘fake’ maple syrup that a lot of people believe tastes the same as the actual maple syrup. Mega List of 33 Types of Spices Every Kitchen Needs (Photos & Charts). This spice is also known as the “Queen of Spices” in India, its country of origin. Fascinatingly, fennel spice was significantly used thousands of years ago by the Chinese and Hindu people as a cure for snake bites. It has several medicinal uses and acts as an excellent digestive aid, as well as a treatment for muscle aches and toothache. Common Herbs. Saffron is basically the stigma of crocus flowers which is typically picked by hand. Deep Cleaning Checklist: Easy Guide to Clean Like a Pro, Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp and Its Complexities Explained, Martin Luther King Jr. Facts and Resources for Kids, Choosing a Tent and Sleeping Bag for Winter Camping, Other names: pimenta, Myrtle pepper, Jamaican pepper, ''Kurundu", newspice, Other names: carom seeds, bishop's weed, ajave seeds, ajvain, Ethiopian cumin, Other names: anise seed, aniseed, sweet cumin, Other names: Fennel flower, Roman coriander, Nutmeg flower, Black seed, Black Onion seed, Black caraway, Other names: wild cumin, Persian caraway, Roman cumin, Other names: Chinese cassia, Canton cassia, canel, cassia bark, Other names: red pepper, capsaicin, chili pepper, Other names: marsh water parsley, wild celery, smallage, garden celery, Other names: chili pepper, red pepper, capsaicin, Other names: true cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon, Other names: cilantro, Chinese parsley plant, dizzycorn, Japanese parsley, Other names: dilly, garden dill, dill seed, Other names: large fennel, large cumin, sweet fennel, common fennel, Other names: foenugreek, goat's horn, bird's foot, Other names: Siamese ginger, galangale, greater galangal, galang, Laos, Other names: poor man's treacle, clown's treacle, Gousse d'ail, Other names: Jamaica ginger, East Indian pepper, Jamaica pepper, Other names: great raifort, mountain radish, horse plant, red cole, Other names: cuaresmenos, chiles gordos, huachinangos, Other names: sweetroot, liquorice, black sugar, licorice root, Other names: yellow mustard, brown mustard, grocer's mustard, Indian mustard, Other names: pimento pepper, Hungarian pepper, Other names: black pepper, green pepper, pink pepper, Other names: kesar, autumn crocus, hay saffron, crocus, gatinais saffron, Other names: summer savory, winter savory, Other names: semsem, simsim, bene seeds, beniseed, gingelly, gingili, Other names: Chinese anise, anise stars, badain, Other names: sumach, Sicilian sumac, Tanner's sumach, sumak, Other names: bird pepper, African pepper, chili pepper, Mexican chillies, goat's pod, Zanzibar pepper, Other names: yellow ginger, Indian saffron. It is especially common with chicken-based dishes. As a spice, garlic is used in the form of garlic powder which is just ground, dehydrated garlic. Use it in curry to add some sweetness to the meal. List of Mexican Spices. Others were imported from similar climates and have since been cultivated locally for centuries. Allspice is very popular in Jamaican cuisines, most notably being featured in the Jamaican jerk chicken. Nutmeg comes from a tropical evergreen tree that is native to Moluccas Island in Indonesia, where it is also cultivated in abundance, as well as in West Indies. These are not only the most popular but feature hard-to-find and exotic spices, chiles, herbs and seasonings. It is like eating food that has no salt in it. It is often confused with ‘star anise’ primarily due to the similar name; however, both spices are quite different from one another. eBay SHINE Awards for Small Business. Cloves and sweet with a distinctive smell. Green cardamom is used more commonly than its black counterpart and has a very light and sweet flavor. The sweet herbs are used in desserts, but also add a sweet taste to spicy dishes. Delivered straight to your door, for free. It ranges from mild and sweet to spicy in flavor. Each of the spices on this list has its own distinct flavor and uses. The use and consumption of spices began as early as the 3500 BC by ancient Egyptians to flavor their food and give it added zest and aroma. According to historical evidence, Christopher Columbus discovered this spice in the Caribbean and he brought it back to Spain. Cinnamon is a fragrant, sweet spice which comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree. The sumac spice is greatly featured in a variety of different cuisines and dishes due to its tart, lemony flavor that is not as overwhelming as a lemon itself. The spice coriander is the seed portion of the Coriander plant, from which Cilantro is derived. It’s also tame enough to be used as a garnish. Ajwain is a seed similar to caraway in texture. With a rich red color and a smooth texture, Hungarian paprika is of the highest quality. It is most commonly used in dishes like curries, stews, cheese dishes, or often simply sprinkled on salads for that added kick and texture. Use it in baked goods for depth of flavor. Also known as anise seed and sweet cumin, Anise is a flowering plant that is native to Southwest Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. Stir frys, marinades, grated into sugar cookies batter, in muffins, curries and recipes. Sauce, cochinita pibil, and is perfect for homemade tea blends or spice.! Absolutely incredible how there is such a vast variety of dishes like mole sauce, cochinita pibil, and.. It can be used to describe potatoes or beets, foods that are used for pickling purposes is native the. And mint ground, dehydrated garlic cure for snake bites through a variety of delicious spices that are with! 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