Spices and seasonings are both used to enhance the flavor of food, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference between the two can help you make the most of your cooking and take your meals to the next level.
Plus, you can use many of them in conjunction with each other to bump up the taste of your food dishes. Let’s start by showing the differences between spices and seasonings, listing the most popular spices and seasonings and discussing other relevant topics to get you started.
What Are Spices?
Spices are the dried parts of plants, such as seeds, roots, bark, and fruits, that are used to flavor food. They are typically used in small quantities and are often added to dishes early in the cooking process to allow the flavors to meld.
Examples of spices include cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, and nutmeg.
What Are Seasonings?
Seasonings, on the other hand, are combinations of spices, herbs, salt, and sometimes sugar or other ingredients that are used to enhance the flavor of food. They are usually used in larger quantities than spices and can be added to dishes at any stage of the cooking process.
Examples of seasonings include chili powder, steak seasoning, and poultry seasoning.
How Spices And Seasoning Impacts Food
One important thing to note is that spices and seasonings can have different effects on the flavor of a dish. Spices tend to add bold, individual flavors, while seasonings are designed to create a harmonious blend of flavors. For example, a spice like cumin might be used to add a smoky, earthy flavor to a dish, while a seasoning like chili powder might be used to bring heat and depth to a dish.
Another difference between spices and seasonings is the level of complexity they bring to a dish. Spices can add a lot of depth and nuance to a dish, while seasonings can simplify the cooking process by providing a pre-mixed blend of flavors.
Seasonings are also often saltier than spices, which makes them ideal for use in dishes that need a quick and easy flavor boost.
15 Popular Spices And Seasonings To Be Familiar With
Here are the 15 most popular spices and seasonings to get you started. Note how you can use many of them in conjunction with each other:
| Spices | Seasonings |
|---|---|
| 1. Salt | 1. Black Pepper |
| 2. Black Pepper | 2. Garlic Powder |
| 3. Paprika | 3. Onion Powder |
| 4. Cumin | 4. Red Pepper Flakes |
| 5. Coriander | 5. Italian Seasoning |
| 6. Cinnamon | 6. Taco Seasoning |
| 7. Ginger | 7. Lemon Pepper |
| 8. Turmeric | 8. Poultry Seasoning |
| 9. Chili Powder | 9. Montreal Steak Seasoning |
| 10. Nutmeg | 10. Cajun Seasoning |
| 11. Cloves | 11. All-Purpose Seasoning |
| 12. Cardamom | 12. Creole Seasoning |
| 13. Allspice | 13. Chinese Five Spice |
| 14. Bay Leaves | 14. Garam Masala |
| 15. Mustard Seeds | 15. Za’atar |
These spices and seasonings are commonly used in various cuisines worldwide and are prized for their ability to enhance the flavor of dishes.
5 Homemade Spice Blends You Can Make Yourself
Here are five homemade spice blends that you can easily make yourself. These blends can add depth and flavor to a wide range of dishes.
Plus, you can save yourself some money in the process too. Here they are:
- Italian Seasoning Blend:
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
- Taco Seasoning Blend:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight container.
- Cajun Seasoning Blend:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
- Curry Powder Blend:
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight container.
- Herbes de Provence Blend:
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers (optional)
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
These homemade spice blends allow you to control the flavor and heat level, and they’re perfect for adding a burst of taste to your dishes. Adjust the quantities of individual spices to match your personal preferences.
5 Homemade Seasonings You Can Make Yourself
Seasonings are traditionally thought of by many people as commercially bought products but you can make at home yourself, too.
Here are 5 examples of homemade seasonings that combine spices and herbs that are easily found and that you might already have at home.
- Herb-Infused Salt:
- 1/2 cup coarse sea salt
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Combine the salt and dried herbs in a food processor and pulse until the herbs are finely ground and mixed with the salt. Store in an airtight container.
- Italian Herb Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
- Lemon Herb Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (dried or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Combine the dried herbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix well and store in an airtight container.
- Garlic Herb Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight container.
- Mediterranean Herb Blend:
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- Combine the dried herbs in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.
These homemade herb-based seasonings are perfect for adding depth and aroma to your dishes, from roasted meats and vegetables to pasta and salads. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences and enjoy the fresh flavors of herbs in your cooking.
Final thoughts
Spices and seasonings both play an important role in enhancing the flavor of food, but they are not the same thing. Spices are the individual ingredients used to create the flavors we love, while seasonings are blends of spices, herbs, salt, and other ingredients that can be used to quickly add flavor to a dish. Understanding the difference between these two can help you make the most of your cooking and elevate your meals to the next level.
Lastly, not all seasonings are commercially made. While many seasonings are produced and sold by companies, some people also make their own seasonings at home using fresh ingredients such as herbs and spices. Homemade seasonings can often be customized to individual tastes and can be made with all-natural ingredients, while some commercial seasonings may contain artificial flavors and preservatives.
Ultimately, whether seasonings are commercially made or homemade depends on the individual and their preferences.