Spices Commonly Used in Food

Spices used in food not only increase the flavor of food, but also provide many health benefits.

Spices Commonly Used in Food

Spices used in food not only increase the flavor of food, but also provide many health benefits. Here is a list of spices that are frequently used in kitchens and found in different cultures:

🟢 Basic and Common Spices

(Used frequently in many cuisines)

  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Red pepper powder (sweet and hot)
  • Cumin
  • Mint (dried)
  • Thyme
  • Sumac
  • Salt
  • Bay leaf
  • Turmeric
  • Ginger (powdered or fresh)
  • Cinnamon (powdered and stick)
  • Allspice
  • Nutmeg (nutmeg)
  • Cloves
  • Fennel seed

🟠 Middle Eastern and Turkish Cuisine Spices

  • Isot (Urfa pepper)
  • Zahter
  • Mahlep
  • Anise
  • Fenugreek
  • Mustard seed
  • Verjuice (not a spice but as a sauce additive)
  • Nigella (for buns) herb)
  • Dried basil

🔴 Indian and Asian Spices

  • Garam masala
  • Curry
  • Asafoetida (hing)
  • Kari leaves
  • Coriander (seeds and powder)
  • Mustard seeds (yellow/black)
  • Chili powder
  • Cardamom (green and black)
  • Fenugreek (fenugreek)
  • Ajwain (sorghum seed)

🟡 Aromatic Dried Herbs

  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Marjoram
  • Basil
  • Dill (dried)
  • Parsley (dried)
  • Lavender (especially in some meat dishes)

🟤 Suitable Spices for Desserts

  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Nutmeg
  • Vanillin or vanilla bean
  • Cardamom
  • Ginger
  • Fennel
  • Dried orange/lemon peel (grated)

🔵 Spice Blends

  • Meatball spice
  • Chicken spice
  • Fish spice
  • Cajun blend
  • Ras el hanout (North Africa)
  • Za’atar (Middle East)
  • Chinese five spice
  • Seasoned salts (e.g. garlic salt)