Cumin is derived from the seeds of the Apiaceae family of plants. Sold in whole and powdered form, it is a common ingredient in the dishes of the Mediterranean and India, where the plant grows natively. The aroma of cumin is quite distinctive. Rich, earthy, and smoky, it is easily recognizable as the primary aromatic component of many types of chili preparations. It is also used in soups and stews, and a number of Brazilian, Indian, and South Asian dishes. Cumin is thought to increase metabolism and bolster the immune system.
Nutmeg is an earthy, fragrant, and flavorful spice that works equally well in desserts and savory dishes. It is derived from the seeds of the Myristica plant, and its nutty flavor often invites comparisons to cinnamon. Eggnog is of course what most people in the West sprinkle nutmeg into. But it is also a popular ingredient in Indian and Indonesian food. In the Caribbean, it isnâ??t unusual to find drinks flavored with this spice.
Turmeric is a key ingredient in Indian curry powder which typically has the spices characteristic orangeyellow tinge It is derived from the boiled and dried rhizomes of the turmeric plant The flavor of turmeric is a bit difficult to pin down Slightly bitter with a bit of spiciness it has an earthy character that isnt to everyones taste Nevertheless it is commonly used as a flavoring for entrees and it is even brewed into tea
If you have ever had a licorice stick, then you already know what fennel seeds taste like. With its mild and enigmatic flavor, it often invites comparisons to anise. It is also used in many savory dishes, and is a common ingredient in sausages. In fact, even a bit of fennel seed added to a stew can make it seem to have more meat than it actually does.
Peppercorns definitely deserve a spot on this list Ground pepper is of course one of the most common and most ubiquitous spices of allso much so that it often fails to get the attention it deserves But peppercorns definitely belong way up there in the pantheon of spices and most every cuisine in the world would taste pretty bland without it Peppercorns come in a few different colors although they are all from the same plant Like most fruits they initially start out green turning a bright shade of red as they ripen The black peppercorns that are the most common types you see everywhere are simply the dried cooked fruits of the plant They are the most flavorful by far and they are practically inseparable from salt on many a dinner table You may have also seen white peppercorns These are simply black peppercorns with the skins removed They can be almost as spicy as their skinned counterparts but they are generally less pungent White pepper is typically used in lightcolored dishes where the dark flecks of ground black pepper might be deemed unsightly
It comes as a surprise to many that clove is actually a flower bud, these buds have to be picked at just the right time. Before flowering the buds will turn a deep red and this is the ideal time to harvest your clove. Clove buds come from an evergreen bush with vibrant pink flowers and purple berries. The clove plant does best in warm and humid regions. The earliest written record of the use of clove as a medicinal herb is by the Han Dynasty in China around 300 B.C. Like cinnamon clove was a prized spice and once rivaled the value of oil.