Do you love trying new spices? This list of spices from A-Z is for you!
With obscure and common spices alike, there’s sure to be something on this list that catches your eye (or nose).
So get ready to explore the world of spices!
A
Achiote – Also known as annatto, achiote is a red condiment powder made from the seeds of the Bixa orellana plant. It’s a coloring agent with a slightly nutty flavor with hints of citrus and paprika.
Adobo – A chili pepper, garlic, oregano, paprika, and vinegar blend.
Ajwan – Ajwan (Ajwain) is a seed from the Trachyspermum copticum plant. It has a strong, pungent flavor and aroma and is a
Allspice – The dried berry of an evergreen tree. It tastes like a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Amchoor – Amchoor is a powder made from dried, unripe mangoes. It has a sour, tangy flavor and is used as a seasoning in Indian cuisine.
Anise – Anise is a licorice-flavored seed that comes from the plant Pimpinella anisum. It’s used as a
Annatto – Annatto is a red condiment powder made from the seeds of the Bixa orellana plant. It’s a coloring agent with a slightly nutty flavor with hints of citrus and paprika.
Arrowroot – Arrowroot is a starchy powder made from the arrowroot plant. It’s often used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
Asafoetida – Asafoetida is an aromatic, bitter
Assam Tea – Assam tea is a type of black tea grown in the Assam region of India. It has a bold, malty flavor and is often used in blends.
B
Baharat – Baharat is a
Balm of Gilead – Balm of Gilead is a resin from the leaves of the Commiphora gileadensis plant.
Balti Masala – Balti masala is a
Basil – Basil is an herb that comes from the Ocimum basilicum plant. It has a sweet, licorice-like flavor and is used in various dishes.
Bay Leaf – Bay leaves come from the Laurus nobilis tree. They have a strong, bitter flavor and are used as a
Beni Shoga – Beni shoga is a type of pickled ginger dyed red. It’s often used as a garnish in Japanese cuisine.
Berbere – Berbere is a
Black Cardamom – Black cardamom is a type of cardamom that has a smoky flavor. It’s used in savory dishes, such as curries and rice dishes.
Black Pepper – Black pepper is the dried, unripe fruit of the Piper nigrum plant. It’s used as a
Blade Mace – Blade mace is the dried outer covering of the nutmeg seed. It has a similar flavor to nutmeg and is used as a
Bouquet Garni – Bouquet garni is a bundle of herbs, typically thyme, parsley, and bay leaf used to flavor soups and stews.
Brown Mustard Seed – Brown mustard seed is the seed of the Brassica juncea plant. It has a milder flavor than a black mustard seed and is used in Indian cuisine.
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C
Cajun Seasoning – Cajun seasoning is a
Calabrese Chili – Calabrese chili is a chili pepper named after the Calabria region of Italy. It’s typically used in Italian cuisine.
Cardamom – Cardamom is a
Caraway Seed – Caraway seed is the dried fruit of the plant Carum carvi. It has a pungent, anise-like flavor and is used in various dishes.
Cassia Bark – Cassia bark is the dried bark of the plant Cinnamomum cassia. It has a similar flavor to cinnamon and is used as a
Cassia Bud – Cassia bud is the dried flower of the plant Cinnamomum cassia. It has a similar flavor to cinnamon and is used as a
Celery – Celery is a vegetable that comes from the Apiaceae family. It has a crisp, refreshing flavor and is often used in salads and garnish.
Celery Seed – Celery seed is the dried seed of Apium graveolens. It has a milder flavor than celery and is used as a
Chai – Chai is a spiced tea typically containing ginger, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
Chamomile – Chamomile is an herb that comes from the plant Matricaria chamomilla. It has a sweet, apple-like flavor and is often used in tea.
Charoli – Charoli is the seeds of the Buchanania lanzan tree. They have an almond-like flavor and are often used in Indian cuisine.
Chayote – Chayote is a type of squash from the Cucurbitaceae family. It has a mild, cucumber-like flavor and is often used in salads and soups.
Chervil – Chervil is an herb that comes from the Apiaceae family. It has a delicate, anise-like flavor and is often used in soups and salads.
Chinese 5 Spices – Chinese 5 spices is a
Chipotle – Chipotle is a type of chili pepper that’s smoked and dried. It has a smoky, spicy flavor and is often used in Mexican cuisine.
Chives – Chives are a type of onion from the Allium family. They have a mild, onion-like flavor and are often used as a garnish.
Cilantro – Cilantro is an herb that comes from the Apiaceae family. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor and is often used in Mexican and Asian cuisine.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is the dried bark of the plant Cinnamomum verum. It has a sweet, pungent flavor and is used as a
Cloves – Cloves are the dried flower buds of the plant Syzygium aromaticum. They have a sweet, pungent flavor and are used as a
Colombo Powder – Colombo powder is a
Coriander – Coriander is the dried seed of the plant Coriandrum sativum. It has a lemony, floral flavor and is used as a
Cumin – Cumin is the dried seed of the plant Cuminum cyminum. It has an earthy, nutty flavor and is used as a
Curcuma – Curcuma is an herb that comes from the plant Curcuma longa. It has a bitter, earthy flavor and is used as a
Curry Leaf – Curry leaf is the dried leaf of the plant Murraya koenigii. It has a curry-like flavor and is used as a
D
Darjeeling Tea – Darjeeling tea is a type of black tea grown in the Darjeeling region of India. It has a floral, fruity flavor and is often used in blends.
Dill – Dill is an herb that comes from the Apiaceae family. It has a fresh, cucumber-like flavor and is often used in pickling and salads.
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F
Fajita – Fajita is a Mexican cuisine typically consisting of grilled meats and vegetables. It’s often served with tortillas and salsa.
Fennel – Fennel is an herb that comes from the Apiaceae family. It has a sweet, anise-like flavor and is often used in soups, salads, and sauces.
Fenugreek – Fenugreek is the dried seed of the plant Trigonella foenum-graecum. It has a bitter, earthy flavor and is used as a
Fleur de Sel – Fleur de sel is a salt hand-harvested from Brittany, France’s coast. It has a delicate, flaky texture and is often used as a finishing salt.
French Lavender – French lavender is a type of lavender grown in the Provence region of France. It has a sweet, floral flavor and is often used in baking.
G
Galangal – Galangal is an herb that comes from the plant Alpinia galanga. It has a ginger-like flavor and is often used in Thai cuisine.
Garam Masala – Garam masala is a
Garlic – Garlic is a type of onion from the Allium family. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is used as a
Ginger – Ginger is an herb that comes from the plant Zingiber officinale. It has a spicy, earthy flavor and is often used in Asian cuisine.
Green Tea – Green tea is a type of tea that’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It has a grassy, vegetal flavor and is often enjoyed as a health beverage.
Gumbo File – Gumbo file is a powder made from the dried leaves of the plant Alpinia galanga. It has a spicy, earthy flavor and is used as a thickener in gumbo.
H
Harissa – Harissa is a paste or sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, and other spices. It’s often used as a condiment in North African cuisine.
Hibiscus – Hibiscus is an herb that comes from the plant Hibiscus sabdariffa. It has a tart, acidic flavor and is often used in teas and cocktails.
Horseradish – Horseradish is a root vegetable that comes from the plant Armoracia rusticana. It has a hot, spicy flavor and is often used as a condiment.
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India Bay Leaf – India bay leaf is the dried leaf of the plant Cinnamomum tamala. It has a cinnamon-like flavor.
Italian Seasoning – Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. It’s often used in Italian cuisine.
J
Jasmine – Jasmine is an herb that comes from the plant Jasminum sambac. It has a sweet, floral flavor and is often used in teas and perfumes.
Jerk Seasoning – Jerk seasoning is a
Juniper Berry – Juniper berry is the fruit of the plant Juniperus communis. It has a piney, citrusy flavor and is often used as a
K
Kabsa
Kaffir Leaves – Kaffir leaves are the dried leaves of Citrus hystrix. They have a citrusy, floral flavor and are often used in Thai cuisine.
Kalamata Olive – Kalamata olive is a type of olive grown in the Kalamata region of Greece. It has a fruity, slightly salty flavor and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Kosher Salt – Kosher salt is a type of salt that’s traditionally used in Jewish cooking. It has a coarse, flaky texture and is often used as a seasoning.
L
Lavender – Lavender is an herb that comes from the plant Lavandula angustifolia. It has a sweet, floral flavor and is often used in baking.
Lemon – Lemon is a type of citrus fruit that comes from the plant Citrus limon. It has a tart, acidic flavor and is often used as a flavoring or garnish.
Lemongrass – Lemon grass is an herb that comes from the plant Cymbopogon citratus. It has a lemon-like flavor and is often used in Asian cuisine.
Lime – Lime is a type of citrus fruit that comes from the plant Citrus latifolia. It has a tart, acidic flavor and is often used as a flavoring or garnish.
Liquorice Root – Liquorice root is the root of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra. It has a sweet, anise-like flavor and is often used as a flavoring or candy.
M
Mace – Mace is the dried, reddish-brown aril surrounding the nutmeg seed. It has a warm, spicy flavor and is often used as a
Marjoram – Marjoram is an herb that comes from the plant Origanum majorana. It has a sweet, earthy flavor and is often used in Italian and French cuisine.
Marshmallow Root – Marshmallow root is the root of the plant Althaea officinalis. It has a sweet, mucilaginous texture and is often used as a demulcent.
Matcha Powder – Matcha powder is a green tea powder traditionally used in Japanese cuisine. It has a grassy, slightly sweet flavor.
Mint – Mint is an herb that comes from the plant Mentha spicata. It has a fresh, minty flavor and is often used in baking and as a garnish.
Mulling Spices – Mulling spices are a blend of spices that typically includes cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. They’re often used to flavor hot beverages like cider or wine.
Mustard – Mustard is a
N
Nigella – Nigella is an herb that comes from the plant Nigella sativa. It has a pungent, slightly bitter flavor and is often used in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Nutmeg – Nutmeg is a
O
Onion – Onion is a type of vegetable that comes from the plant Allium cepa. It has a pungent, onion-like flavor and is often used as a flavoring or garnish.
Orange Zest – Orange zest is the outermost layer of the peel of an orange. It has a citrusy, tangy flavor and is often used as a flavoring or garnish.
Oregano – Oregano is an herb that comes from the plant Origanum vulgare. It has a warm, slightly bitter flavor and is often used in Italian and Greek cuisine.
P
Paella Seasoning – Paella seasoning is a blend of spices traditionally used to flavor paella, a Spanish dish made with rice and seafood.
Paprika – Paprika is a
Parsley – Parsley is an herb that comes from the plant Petroselinum crispum. It has a fresh, slightly grassy flavor and is often used as a garnish.
Peppercorn – Peppercorn is a
Pickling
Pimento Berries – Pimento berries are the dried, red fruits of the plant Capsicum annuum. They have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor and are often used as a flavoring or garnish.
Poppy Seed – Poppy seed is the seed of the plant Papaver somniferum. It has a nutty, slightly bitter flavor and is often used in baking and as a garnish.
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R
Ras-el-Hanout – Ras-el-hanout is a blend of spices traditionally used in Moroccan cuisine. It typically includes cardamom, cumin, and cloves.
Rooibos Tea – Rooibos tea is a type of herbal tea that comes from the plant Aspalathus linearis. It has a sweet, slightly grassy flavor and is often used as a flavoring or garnish.
Rosemary – Rosemary is an herb that comes from the plant Rosmarinus officinalis. It has a piney, slightly bitter flavor and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine.
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Sage – Sage is an herb that comes from the plant Salvia officinalis. It has a earthy, slightly bitter flavor and is often used in stuffing and sausage.
Saffron – Saffron is a
Sesame Seed – Sesame seed is the seed of the plant Sesamum indicum. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and is often used in baking and as a garnish.
Shallot – Shallot is a type of vegetable that comes from the plant Allium ascalonicum. It has a mild, onion-like flavor and is often used as a flavoring or garnish.
Shichimi Togarashi – Shichimi togarashi is a blend of spices that are traditionally used in Japanese cuisine. It typically includes chili pepper, orange zest, and ginger.
Spearmint – Spearmint is an herb that comes from the plant Mentha spicata. It has a fresh, minty flavor and is often used in baking and as a flavoring.
Star Anise – Star anise is a
Sumac – Sumac is a
T
Tagine – Tagine is a dish with a
Tamarind – Tamarind is a fruit that comes from the tree Tamarindus indica. It has a sour, slightly sweet flavor and is often used in Indian cuisine.
Tandoori – Tandoori is a type of
Tarragon – Tarragon is an herb that comes from the plant Artemisia dracunculus. It has a faint, anise-like flavor and is often used in French cuisine.
Tapioca – Tapioca is a starch that comes from the root of the plant Manihot esculenta. It has a bland, slightly sweet flavor and is often used in pudding and as a thickener.
Thyme – Thyme is an herb that comes from the plant Thymus vulgaris. It has a lemony, slightly minty flavor and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Tikka Masala – Tikka masala is a type of
Turmeric – Turmeric is a
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V
Vanilla – Vanilla is a
W
Wasabi – Wasabi is a horseradish type from the plant Wasabia japonica. It has a hot, spicy flavor and is often used in Japanese cuisine.
Watercress – Watercress is a type of leafy green that comes from the plant Nasturtium officinale. It has a peppery, slightly bitter flavor and is often used in salads.
White Pepper – White pepper is a
White Tea – White tea is a type of tea that comes from the plant Camellia sinensis. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is often consumed for its health benefits.
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