Nobody likes to have a bland meal. That’s why spices are used by most people around the world. What are spices?
Spices are seeds, fruit, roots, barks, or other plant, used primarily for flavoring and coloring food. Spices are even used in medicine, cosmetics or perfume production, like vanilla, which is commonly used as an ingredient in fragrance manufacturing.
Since there can be hundreds of different spices and spice blends available in many stores, it might be overwhelming when it comes to decide which ones are the best to keep in our kitchens.
So, how do you decide what you need in your home? These are the most used popular spices and herbs:
Black Pepper
If used in small doses, black pepper is a flavorful spice that tastes good on most dishes and is one of the top choices when deciding what kind of spice to use. Black pepper is pungent, hot, and its distinct flavor pairs well with some sweet foods too. If salt helps bring out flavors, black pepper makes food bolder versions of themselves.
Garlic Powder
Having fresh garlic around may be the best choice, but garlic powder is a great way to add some quick garlic flavor to a dish. You can also use it to mix into your own spice blends.
Thyme
Thyme is earthy and minty, with traces of lavender or a toned-down rosemary. Even if it is mostly used as a flavor for meats and stews, it can add some zing to vegetables as well.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is sweet pungent spice derived from the dried inner bark of a bushy evergreen cinnamon tree, and is best known for sweet dishes. However it can be an excellent addition to certain savory dishes as well. You can use it in small doses in chili, tomato sauces and other products.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an earthy, woodsy, piney, aromatic herb that pairs perfectly with French and Mediterranean cooking. It is best known to be used for chicken and other poultry, lamb, pork, steaks, and fish, especially oily fish. Because of its strong flavor, a small amount goes a long way.
Followed by these top 5 most popular spices, there are other incredible flavors that can be created with only your imagination at the limit. Some of these other spices are: nutmeg, paprika, cumin and chili powder.
Have fun and let the umami wash over your taste buds like waves at a beach!