Types of Spices
(Favorite Spices and their uses)

Types of Spices

Did you know that Americans consume almost 1 billion pounds of spice each year? Add that number to the variety of Types of Spices enjoyed by the rest of the world and there's a lot of spice being consumed.

There are so many kinds of spices available today that a list of spices will never be all inclusive. These are just a few basic favorites.

  • Cinnamon: A sweet spice, Cinnamon is great with fruit, desserts and cake. Try it also on sweet potatoes, or even added to a glass of almond milk.
  • Vanilla: When buying vanilla extract, look for "pure vanilla extract" (35% alcohol). Vanilla is good for desserts but is also interesting with seafood (lobster, scallops, etc.).
  • Saffron: Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. The best quality is deep red. Many cultures use saffron in different styles of cooking often with vegetables, chicken or seafood.
  • Red Pepper: Red Pepper is always on my kitchen table.
    It makes it very easy to spice up a meal. It's good in chili, many vegetable recipes and certain soups.
    For example, it is great in this Spicy Crab Soup.

Fast fact: Today, many spices are available as grinders (e.g. Cinnamon, etc.) for added flavor and freshness.

  • Nutmeg: Native to Indonesia, nutmeg is popular in many countries. In fact, a clove of Nutmeg is the symbol in the Grenada flag and is one of this island's main crops. Nutmeg is often used for desserts. It's also perfect with egg nog during the holidays.
  • Ginger: Fresh and dried ginger is another popular spice used around the world. Many Asian recipes use ginger. Ginger is also known for its health benefits (especially for soothing upset stomachs). And, of course, it is also good in many holiday cookie recipes, such as Gingerbread Cookies

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