Derived from the Latin species ‘Spices’ are a type of seasoning predominantly used to add and enhance flavours in different meals. Spices can come from fruits, plants, seeds and bark. They can be used for many purposes as well as in cooking. Throughout history spices have been used in economical trading, decorative dyeing, perfumes and even for medicinal purposes.
Black Pepper
Black pepper corns come from the fruits of the black pepper vine. They hold the strong flavour out of all other coloured pepper corns and can be used hole and ground. When using hole pepper corns, you want to put them in dishes that need lots of flavour- red wine sauces, stews, soups and homemade stocks. The whole pepper corns give off a flavoursome kick, so be careful with the amount you use in your dishes. Ground black pepper is one of the most common types of seasoning and can be used in most savoury dishes. Black pepper is a typical herb (paired with salt) to be sprinkled on top of cooked meals to add to extra flavour for the taste buds.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is an adaptable spice that goes well with many savoury dishes. The unusual herb is packed with warmth and spice, but it is also a great flavour enhancer in drinks. The sweet smell can be deceptive to the taste buds, as the pepper has a quick spicey kick that lingers on the tongue. The powder and peppers are known to be used in small amounts as the kick is powerful and lasts a while. The pepper can also be used as an alternative to salt, for those considering their diet and cutting down on their sodium intake. Marinade for Chicken burgers and fish tacos, sprinkling on devilled eggs and scrambled eggs, dry rub for pork ribs, mix for salad dressings, herb for tomato sauces, spice for curries, soups and hot sauce, spice for chocolate- compliments sweet desserts with dark chocolate and cinnamon.
Ginger
Ginger originates from the same plant as the ‘turmeric’ spice. Ginger can be eaten raw from the root, but is more frequently eaten as a ground/dried powder. The famously sharp flavour that comes from this spice can be dulled down and changed, to a sweeter flavouring with heat or when dried overtime. This version is commonly used in baked goods, drink flavourings, desserts, and fillings. Raw-rooted ginger can be a great stock ingredient for curries, marinades, stews and soups. The root ginger can also be grated as extra flavouring on top of cakes and loafs.
Interestingly, through history Ginger has been argued over, as of whether to call it a spice, or a herb. Though Ginger in the culinary world is a common spice, many cultures call it a herb after its healing properties. Medicinal ginger can be used to aid digestion, help with nausea and vomiting, and even promote healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon
The cinnamon spice comes from, and is named after the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree. The swirled sticks of cinnamon that we know, and love can also be dried and heated into a fine powder, for a reduced but sweeter flavour. There are two distinct types of Cinnamon (Cassia and Verum) used in different parts of the world. Cassia (Dark Cinnamon) is found in East Asia and most parts of the USA; it has a spicy and burnt flavouring and is used in many Chinese recipes. Verum (True Cinnamon) is a delicate type of cinnamon used in teas, cocktails and Mexican dishes, and it gives off a warm flavour. Some typical recipes for cinnamon are marinades and rubs for meats and pastries with sugar.
Nutmeg
The Nutmeg seed comes from the Myristica fruit in Indonesia. This mace spice has a sweet and warm flavouring, partnered with a pungent scent. The Myristica fruit is similar to the plum fruit and can be used to flavour meats, potatoes, vegetables, puddings and cakes. Nutmeg as a spice is famously used in the Christmas beverage Egg-nogg and occasionally in bechamel sauces, it all depends on your preference.
Paprika
Alongside salt and pepper, Paprika is one of the most common type of seasonings used worldwide. Originating from the red chilli pepper family, Paprika is a mixture of sweet and spicy peppers that are ground and dried to make a fine powder, that is sprinkled into and onto different foods. Paprika differs from chilli powder as it presents a sweet, earthy flavouring, whereas chilli powder has a strong spicy kick.
Paprika works well in most roasted dishes, chicken dishes, stews, curries, paella, and more. It is a peppery spice that is incredibly versatile. On the health side of things, Paprika contains Capsaicin. Capsaicin is a compound containing anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, nutrients and minerals that can all be beneficial for our physical and digestive health.
Turmeric
This spice comes from the ginger flowering plant Curcuma longa. Renowned for its sharp mustard-like taste, Turmeric takes a bright yellow colouring when dried and ground down. This spice is used in cooking, and as a food and clothing dye. Turmeric is popular within South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking, working well in curries and stews.
As for dyeing, Turmeric can be used alone as a natural yellow dye for most fabrics. It leaves a bright golden colour, and can be washed out or removed overtime from natural sunlight. Turmeric is also used as a colouring agent for foods such as cheese and butter to keep a consistent colouring throughout the seasonal changes.
Cloves
Similar to Nutmeg, Cloves are a flower bud originating from historic Indonesia. Deriving from the Syzygium Aramaticum Tree, Cloves are dried flower buds that have powerful flavourings and smells. They are used in an array of sweet and savoury dishes, Cloves can be a popular winter season spice, adding a warmth to stews, roasts, fruit desserts, mousses and even tea. However, be careful as they can be very overpowering. Intriguingly, they have the highest amount of aroma compounds out of all spices because they are party an essential oil. So be careful when you use it, it will bring a powerful scent alongside it.
Cumin
Originating from the dried fruit Cuminum, Cumin holds a savoury earthy flavour that pairs famously well with sweet and spicey herbs. Most commonly found in Asia and Africa, the spice itself holds an unusual warmth that works very well in rice dishes, soups, stews, savoury sauces and even pickled foods. Cumin is another powerful spice that can be overbearing in dishes, so less is definitely more. This spice is packed with flavonoids and antimicrobials making it a good addition to your diet. These compounds are great for overall clean health.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published