Spices and herbs are the unsung heroes of every kitchen, elevating dishes from mundane to magnificent with their mesmerizing aromas and tantalizing flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, having a well-stocked spice rack is the secret weapon to transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary feasts.
In this flavorful journey, we’ve curated a list of 50 essential herbs and spices, each with its unique benefits and a passport to your next culinary adventure. We’ll also suggest popular dishes to use each of them in.
So, buckle up, and let’s explore the world of taste and aroma right from your kitchen!
50 Herbs And Spices To Add To Your Kitchen
Are 50 herbs and spices too many to have in your kitchen spice rack? Perhaps. But you don’t have to get them all at once if you don’t have the desire or space. You can start to build your spice rack using the suggestions below depending on what foods you like to cook and tastes you’d like to experience.
Here’s a table of 50 herbs and spices to consider, their benefits, and the dishes they pair well with:
| Herb/Spice | Benefits | Pairing Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Anti-inflammatory, fresh flavor | Caprese salad, pasta, tomato-based dishes |
| Thyme | Antioxidant, earthy flavor | Roast chicken, soups, stews, roasted vegetables |
| Rosemary | Memory enhancer, piney aroma | Roasted lamb, potatoes, grilled meats |
| Oregano | Immune support, robust taste | Pizza, pasta sauce, Greek dishes |
| Cilantro | Digestive aid, bright and citrusy | Salsas, guacamole, Asian and Mexican cuisines |
| Mint | Soothing, cool flavor | Mojitos, tea, lamb, salads |
| Parsley | Nutrient-rich, fresh and mild | Garnish, tabbouleh, roasted chicken |
| Dill | Digestive, fresh and tangy | Pickles, seafood, potato salad |
| Sage | Cognitive health, earthy aroma | Stuffing, butternut squash, pork dishes |
| Chives | Antioxidant, mild onion flavor | Garnish, baked potatoes, creamy soups |
| Tarragon | Digestive, anise-like taste | Chicken salad, béarnaise sauce, seafood |
| Coriander (Seeds) | Digestive, citrusy aroma | Curry, sausages, pickling |
| Fennel (Seeds) | Digestive, licorice-like flavor | Roasted vegetables, sausage, Italian dishes |
| Bay Leaves | Aromatics, woodsy scent | Soups, stews, braised dishes |
| Turmeric | Anti-inflammatory, earthy | Curries, rice, roasted vegetables |
| Saffron | Rich flavor, anti-depressant | Paella, risotto, desserts |
| Cloves | Analgesic, warm and sweet | Baked ham, mulled wine, spice blends |
| Cardamom | Digestive, fragrant and sweet | Chai tea, desserts, Middle Eastern dishes |
| Allspice | Warming, blends flavors | Jamaican jerk seasoning, pies |
| Nutmeg | Aromatic, nutty and sweet | Bechamel sauce, pumpkin pie, spinach dishes |
| Mustard (Seeds) | Digestive, pungent and sharp | Salad dressings, pickling, sandwiches |
| Paprika | Adds color, smoky or sweet | Goulash, deviled eggs, grilled chicken |
| Curry Powder | Complex flavors, versatile | Curries, soups, roasted vegetables |
| Chili Powder | Spicy, adds heat | Chili, tacos, Mexican dishes |
| Black Pepper | Digestive, sharp and spicy | Seasoning for all dishes, especially meats |
| White Pepper | Mild heat, subtler flavor | Creamy sauces, mashed potatoes, white gravies |
| Red Pepper Flakes | Adds heat, smoky or fruity | Pizza, pasta, stir-fries |
| Cayenne Pepper | Spicy, boosts metabolism | Spicy dishes, hot sauces, chili |
| Annatto | A spice from the achiote tree with an earthy, nutty flavor | Rice, stews, soups, sauces, and various meat and poultry preparations. |
| Turmeric | Anti-inflammatory, earthy | Curries, rice, roasted vegetables |
| Cumin | Smoky, earthy and nutty | Chili, tacos, Middle Eastern dishes |
| Cinnamon | Aromatic, warm and sweet | Baked goods, oatmeal, Moroccan dishes |
| Cloves | Analgesic, warm and sweet | Baked ham, mulled wine, spice blends |
| Nutmeg | Aromatic, nutty and sweet | Bechamel sauce, pumpkin pie, spinach dishes |
| Ginger | Digestive, spicy and zesty | Stir-fries, marinades, baked goods |
| Garlic Powder | Flavorful, umami essence | Almost any savory dish |
| Onion Powder | Sweet, oniony flavor | Soups, sauces, seasoning blends |
| Celery Salt | Savory, aromatic and salty | Bloody Mary cocktails, potato salad, stews |
| Smoked Paprika | Adds smokiness, complex flavor | BBQ rubs, grilled meats, Spanish dishes |
| Garam Masala | Fragrant, warming spice blend | Indian curries, rice dishes, roasted vegetables |
Storing Large Amounts Of Herbs And Spices
Proper storage of herbs and spices is essential to maintain their freshness, flavor, and potency. Ideally, you will use them regularly rather than leaving them for long periods of time when they can lose the benefits that they offer foods.
Here are some tips to help you store herbs and spices effectively:
- Keep them airtight: Store herbs and spices in airtight containers to prevent air, moisture, and light from degrading their quality. Use glass jars with tight-fitting lids or quality plastic containers designed for food storage. Avoid using transparent containers as they allow light to penetrate.
- Store in a cool, dark place: Heat, light, and humidity can accelerate the deterioration of herbs and spices. Keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry or a cabinet. Avoid storing them near the stove, oven, or other heat sources.
- Avoid frequent exposure to air: When using herbs and spices, handle them quickly and then seal the container immediately. Exposing them to air for extended periods can lead to flavor loss and moisture absorption.
- Grind whole spices when needed: Whole spices generally have a longer shelf life than ground spices. Consider purchasing whole spices and grinding them as needed to maintain maximum flavor. A spice grinder or mortar and pestle can be used for this purpose.
- Label and date: Label your herb and spice containers with the name and date of purchase or packaging. This helps you keep track of their freshness and rotation.
- Keep away from moisture: Moisture can cause herbs and spices to clump together and degrade. Avoid using wet spoons or condensation-forming containers when handling them. Also, make sure the containers are completely dry before transferring herbs and spices into them.
- Avoid storing near strong odors: Herbs and spices can easily absorb strong odors from nearby substances. Keep them away from strong-smelling items like cleaning products or strong spices to prevent flavor contamination.
- Consider freezing or refrigerating: Some herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, can be stored in the refrigerator. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a sealed bag or container. Freezing is also an option for preserving the flavors of certain herbs, such as mint or basil. However, freezing can change the texture, so it’s best to use frozen herbs in cooked dishes rather than fresh applications.
Special Storage Guidelines For Certain Herbs And Spices
While most herbs and spices can be stored following general guidelines, there are a few specific herbs and spices that benefit from special storage conditions. Here are some examples relevant to the list above:
- Saffron: Saffron is a delicate and expensive spice. To preserve its flavor and aroma, store it in an airtight container away from light, moisture, and heat. Some people even store saffron in the refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life.
- Dried chili peppers: Dried chili peppers should be stored in airtight containers away from moisture and light. They can be kept at room temperature, but if you live in a humid climate, it may be beneficial to store them in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent mold or loss of flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, and dill, can be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. To prolong their shelf life, trim the ends of the stems, place the herbs in a jar with water (similar to a bouquet), and cover them loosely with a plastic bag. Change the water every few days.
- Ground spices: Ground spices have a shorter shelf life compared to whole spices. To maintain their flavor, store them in airtight containers away from light, heat, and moisture. Consider keeping them in a cool pantry or cabinet rather than above the stove.
Special Storage Guidelines For Whole Spices
Whole spices generally have a longer shelf life compared to ground spices due to their lower surface area exposed to air. Here are some specific storage conditions to consider for whole spices:
- Airtight containers: Store whole spices in airtight containers to protect them from air, moisture, and light. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or containers specifically designed for food storage work well. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before transferring the spices.
- Cool and dark location: Whole spices should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Excessive heat can cause them to lose flavor and aroma faster. A pantry or a cabinet is usually a suitable storage spot.
- Avoid grinding until needed: Whole spices retain their flavor and aroma better than ground spices, so it’s best to grind them just before using. Consider investing in a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle to grind the spices as needed. This helps preserve their freshness for longer periods.
- Label and date: It’s helpful to label the containers with the name of the spice and the date of purchase or packaging. This allows you to keep track of their freshness and rotation, ensuring you use the oldest spices first.
- Consider freezing for long-term storage: If you have a large quantity of whole spices that you won’t use within a few months, you can freeze them to extend their shelf life. Place the spices in airtight freezer bags or containers and store them in the freezer. Freezing helps retain their flavors and aromas for an extended period. However, keep in mind that freezing may change the texture of the spices, so they are best used in cooked dishes rather than for fresh applications.
Final Thoughts
Spices and herbs play a transformative role in food dishes by adding depth, complexity, and a burst of flavors and aromas. They have the power to turn ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. These natural seasonings bring uniqueness to each dish, enhancing taste profiles, balancing flavors, and elevating the overall dining experience.
When assembling your home spice rack, consider the above-mentioned list to get started and add to it over time when you begin to master the use of single spices and spice blends.
Whether it’s the warm, earthy notes of cumin in a curry, the freshness of basil in a pasta sauce, or the smoky depth of paprika in a stew, spices and herbs can elevate your cooking to new heights, turning everyday meals into memorable feasts.