Open yourself to a world of flavor with the essential spices on your spice rack. Go beyond the usual salt and pepper and sample the other seasonings that come with that ubiquitous kitchen fixture. Don't let them lose their potency by having them on perennial storage in your cupboard. Let them play a part in your cooking so they can fulfill their spicy destiny.
Check the gallery below for the 13 spices and their corresponding recipes.
What is Allspice? It is not a blend of spices but the dried unripe berry of the Pimenta dioica tree. Why the name? The English named it such because it carried the flavors of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Use this spice when you want some Caribbean flavors in your meats like in the Jamaican Jerk marinade.
What is Chili Powder? It is made from a single or a variety of chili peppers. Don't be surprised if they are labelled as "blends" because most brands in the market are combined with other herbs and spices. Try this spice when you make the Chili Con Pata.
What to do with Cayenne Pepper? This powdered fruit of the red Cayenne chili is named after a city in French Guiana. If you want some heat, add it to the Jambalaya Fried Rice.
What to do with Cinnamon? This spice comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamon tree. They have been used since ancient times to flavor sweets and savories. Native to South East Asia, it is no wonder that it is used in many dishes in the region like the in the pork rib soup called Bak Kut Teh.
What to do with Cloves? These are the dried flower buds of a tree that belongs to the Myrtle family. Used whole or powdered, cloves are rather strong and are used sparingly to flavor entrees, hot drinks, cheeses, and desserts. It is widely used in Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese and Dutch cuisine. Want to use them? Try making a batch of Gingerbread Men.
What to do with Cream of Tartar? This is a byproduct of wine making, a crystal that can be found in wine casks when fermenting grape juice. These are collected and purified to make the white powder we see in supermarkets. Its most common culinary use is in stabilizing egg whites for use in desserts, like the the Dalandan Meringue Pie.
What to do with Cumin? This comes from the dried seed of a plant called Cuminum Cyminum which is related to parsley. It is used in Middle Eastern, Indian, North African and Mexican cuisines for its distinctive aroma. Try it in the Chicken Tagine with Couscous.
What do I do with Curry Powder? This is a spice blend that may include fenugreek, cumin, turmeric, coriander and red pepper. It is popular in South Asian cuisine and used to flavor soups, stews, meats, and vegetables. Sample some curry when you make the Pumpkin Curry Soup.
What to do with Dry Mustard? This is the pulverized mustard seed used as seasoning in snacks or as a rub on various meats. The yellow color comes from turmeric that is mixed with it upon grinding. Try it with the Coffee-Rubbed Prime Rib.
What is Nutmeg? This is the dried seed from the Myristica fragrans tree. It is sweet with a slight bitter taste which is why it is used sparingly. Popularly used in baking and desserts, it is also an ideal seasoning for meats and potatoes. Where to use it? Try the Sweet Potato Pie.
What to do with Paprika? This is made from ground bell peppers. The levels of heat can vary from mild to very spicy depending on the variety. Used primarily to color rice and stews, you can coax out the flavors of paprika by heating it in oil. Sample paprika by making Pasta Chorizo and Mushroom.
What do I do with Red Pepper Flakes? These are dried, crushed chili peppers, usually a mixture of several varieties of chili like ancho and cayenne. You want heat? Then use these! Enjoy red pepper flakes when you make the Toyomansi Pansit with Chili Flakes.
What is Turmeric powder? This is made from the plant of the same name. The powder is made by boiling the rhizomes in water then dried in an oven. After that, they are ground into a powder for use in various curries in South Asian cuisine. Want to try turmeric? Make some Turmeric Deviled Eggs