Spice is essential in cooking and in baking. What do you know about the different types of spices? Are dried spices and fresh used the same way?
Kosher Salt
Referred to as the king of seasonings, salt is a necessary ingredient in almost every recipe…sweet and savory. You may not have thought of it as a spice, but it is.
Black Peppercorns
This should be your second most important seasoning. Go for whole peppercorns and grind them as you need them. The taste will be fresher and more pronounced.
Dried Oregano
In dried form, this spice seems to give more flavor than fresh. Your recipe will call for one or the other. You will need to adjust the amount if you use a different one than the recipe calls for.
Dried Rosemary
Since this spice can be strong, you will want to watch how much you add. Fresh might be a better choice. Be sure to remove it from its woody stem before chopping.
Dried Thyme
This is a spice that may add a slightly minty flavor to a dish. If you have fresh thyme, you will need to use more than dried.
Red Pepper Flakes
Made from dried red chili peppers, these give a slight heat and depth to your dishes. Sometimes when you want extra spice, these will add flavor in addition to heat.
Nutmeg
Complex in taste, nutmeg gives a hint of pepper with its warmth. For best results with this spice, grate fresh into your dish.
Cayenne Pepper
Spicer than the red pepper flakes, this is made from finely ground chili peppers. Try it with sweet honey or maple syrup for an interesting taste.
Chili Powder
Usually a variety of ground chilis, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and onion this is a versatile spice to have on hand.
Cinnamon
Great for pastries, desserts, and even savory dishes. Cinnamon also has some great health benefits.
Cloves
Use these in moderation as they can be overwhelmingly spicy and pungent.
Cumin
Warm and nutty, this spice can be used in a variety of dishes.
Curry Powder
Typically, this is a blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek. Since this spice has a distinctive flavor, use a little at a time until you get the right taste.
Garlic Powder
Made from dehydrated garlic, use it when you want a subtle garlic flavor.
Paprika
Made from dried, finely ground sweet and chili peppers this is a great way to add some spice to your savory dishes.
Allspice
You might think this tastes like a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s not. This spice is the product of a dried and ground berry.
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