14 Essential Herbs And Spices For Your Kitchen

December 9, 2017

Tired of the same old bland-tasting food? Herbs and spices are your answer. When your food is properly seasoned, they can actually add depth and flavour. So, if you never thought of using these culinary items before, now you know. But where to start? With so many herbs and spices available, which ones should you buy? Thankfully, we have that covered because here is a list of 14 essential herbs and spices to stock up for your kitchen.

1) Allspice

Allspice a.k.a. pimento/Jamaican pepper comes in either whole dried berries reminiscent of peppercorns or ground form. It has an aromatic taste of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Best for: Any savory cooking such as chicken and pork. It also goes well with marinades, stews, soups, pies, cakes, and cookies.

2) Basil

Basil is often synonymous with Italian cooking and tomato-based dishes. Why tomato, you say? Well, this aromatic and minty herb helps reduce the acidity of a tomato and even enhance its natural sweetness.

Best for: Italian cooking and tomato-based dishes such as pasta and pizza. They are also great for tomato soup, eggs, beef, chicken, lamb and salad dressing.

3) Bay Leaves

Often sold in dried form, bay leaves are best described as strong and woodsy. Remember to remove them before serving!

Best for: Soups, stews, marinades and meats such as beef and chicken.

4) Cayenne Pepper

Made from small hot chili peppers, this spice is popular in Asian cuisines. Cayenne pepper is usually available in ground form.

Best for: Beef, fish and chicken. You can even use it for meat rubs for a nice, spicy kick.

5) Chili Flakes

Although chili flakes are often used for pizza topping, they are actually more versatile than you think! Use them for savory cooking such as in meat and fish dishes. Alternatively, you can even infuse them to spice up your cooking oil as well.

Best for: Any dishes that you want to add heat to.

6) Cinnamon

Available in ground form or sticks, cinnamon is a common staple for baked goods because it adds warmth and bittersweet flavor.

Best for: Cakes, cookies and pies. You can even sprinkle cinnamon powder on French toast, coffee or add flavour to meat dishes such as chicken and lamb.

7) Chives

Chives contain a mild onion-like flavor that is typically used for garnishes.

Best for: Apart from garnishes, they are also great on baked potatoes, eggs, salad dressings and fish dishes.

8) Curry Powder

A staple among many Indian cuisines, curry powder is made from various blends of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

Best for: Any curry dishes (e.g. chicken curry and fish curry) and egg-based dishes.

9) Garlic/Onion Powder

Sure, you can’t beat the real thing. But garlic powder remains a good alternative. Same goes with onion powder as well.

Best for: You name it — bread, chicken, pasta, meat rubs and so on!

10) Ginger (Ground)

This hot and fragrant spice is popular in Chinese, Indian and other Asian cuisines. It can be used to flavour your cookies, cakes… and yes, gingerbread.

Best for: Savory Asian dishes, baked goods, grilled meats and spiced tea.