Spices vocabulary list with definitions

Spices vocabulary

Spices: An aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavor food, pepper, or cumin.

List of Spices Vocabulary

Spices vocabulary definitions and example

Allspice

• Definition: A spice made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant, with a flavor combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Example: Allspice is often used in Caribbean and Middle Eastern dishes for its warm, aromatic flavor.

Anise

• Definition: A spice derived from the seeds of the anise plant, known for its licorice-like flavor.
• Example: Anise is used in baked goods and liqueurs, such as ouzo and absinthe.

Basil

• Definition: An aromatic herb with a sweet, slightly peppery flavor, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
• Example: Fresh basil is essential in making pesto sauce and adding flavor to tomato-based dishes.

Bay Leaf

• Definition: A dried leaf from the bay laurel tree, used to flavor soups, stews, and braises.
• Example: Bay leaves are often added to slow-cooked dishes for a subtle, earthy flavor.

Black Pepper

• Definition: A common spice made from the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant, known for its pungent and spicy flavor.
• Example: Black pepper is used as a seasoning in virtually every type of cuisine.

Cardamom

• Definition: A spice made from the seeds of several plants in the ginger family, known for its intense, sweet, and spicy flavor.
• Example: Cardamom is used in Indian cooking, especially in chai tea and curries.

Cayenne Pepper

• Definition: A hot chili pepper ground into a powder, used to add heat and spiciness to dishes.
• Example: Cayenne pepper can be sprinkled on dishes to give them a fiery kick.

Celery Seed

• Definition: The small, aromatic seeds of the celery plant, used to add a distinct celery flavor to foods.
• Example: Celery seed is often used in pickling recipes and in seasoning blends for meats.

Chervil

• Definition: An herb with a delicate, mild flavor reminiscent of parsley and anise.
• Example: Chervil is commonly used in French cuisine, especially in soups and salads.

Chili Powder

• Definition: A blend of ground chilies and spices, including cumin, garlic, and paprika, used to add flavor and heat to dishes.
• Example: Chili powder is a key ingredient in Tex-Mex dishes such as chili con carne.

Cinnamon

• Definition: A spice made from the inner bark of cinnamon trees, known for its sweet and warm flavor.
• Example: Cinnamon is used in both sweet and savory dishes, including cinnamon rolls and spiced meats.

Clove

• Definition: A dried flower bud with a strong, aromatic flavor used in both sweet and savory dishes.
• Example: Cloves are used to flavor baked goods, mulled wine, and spiced ham.

Coriander

• Definition: The seeds of the cilantro plant, used as a spice with a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor.
• Example: Ground coriander is commonly used in curry powders and spice blends.

Cumin

• Definition: A spice made from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, known for its warm, earthy flavor.
• Example: Cumin is a staple in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mexican cuisines.

Curry Powder

• Definition: A blend of spices including turmeric, cumin, and coriander, used to flavor curry dishes.
• Example: Curry powder adds a rich, complex flavor to dishes such as chicken curry and vegetable stew.

Dill

• Definition: An herb with feathery leaves and a distinctive flavor, used in pickling and as a garnish.
• Example: Dill is often used in making pickles and in fish dishes.

Fennel

• Definition: A plant with a licorice-like flavor, with both its seeds and fronds used in cooking.
• Example: Fennel seeds are used in Italian sausage and the fronds can be added to salads.

Fenugreek

• Definition: A spice with a slightly bitter, nutty flavor, used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
• Example: Fenugreek is a key ingredient in curry powders and is used to flavor dishes like dal.

Garlic Powder

• Definition: A spice made from dehydrated garlic, used to add a garlic flavor to dishes.
• Example: Garlic powder is often used in seasoning blends and marinades.

Ginger

• Definition: A spice made from the rhizome of the ginger plant, known for its pungent and spicy flavor.
• Example: Ginger is used in both sweet treats like gingerbread and savory dishes like stir-fries.

Mustard Seed

• Definition: The seeds of the mustard plant, used as a spice or ground into mustard condiments.
• Example: Mustard seeds are used in pickles and to add flavor to Indian curries.

Nutmeg

• Definition: A spice made from the seed of the nutmeg tree, with a warm, sweet flavor.
• Example: Nutmeg is used in baking, especially in pumpkin pie and eggnog.

Oregano

• Definition: An herb with a robust flavor, often used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines.
• Example: Oregano is commonly added to pizza, pasta sauces, and grilled meats.

Paprika

• Definition: A ground spice made from dried red peppers, used to add color and a mild, sweet flavor to dishes.
• Example: Paprika is used in Hungarian goulash and as a garnish for deviled eggs.

Parsley

• Definition: An herb with a fresh, slightly peppery flavor, used as a garnish or in cooking.
• Example: Parsley is often used as a garnish for soups and salads and in tabbouleh.

Rosemary

• Definition: An herb with a pine-like aroma and a robust flavor, used in Mediterranean cuisine.
• Example: Rosemary is often used to season roast meats and potatoes.

Saffron

• Definition: A spice derived from the dried stigmas of the crocus flower, known for its distinct flavor and golden color.
• Example: Saffron is used in dishes like paella and risotto to impart a rich, floral flavor and color.

Sage

• Definition: An herb with a strong, earthy flavor, often used in savory dishes and stuffing.
• Example: Sage is commonly used in Thanksgiving stuffing and in sausage recipes.

Star Anise

• Definition: A spice made from the dried fruit of the Illicium verum tree, known for its licorice-like flavor.
• Example: Star anise is used in Chinese five-spice powder and in making pho.

Tarragon

• Definition: An herb with a flavor reminiscent of anise or licorice, used in French cuisine.
• Example: Tarragon is often used in sauces like béarnaise and in salad dressings.

Thyme

• Definition: An herb with a subtle, earthy flavor, used in a variety of cuisines.
• Example: Thyme is used in soups, stews, and as a seasoning for roasted meats.

Turmeric

• Definition: A bright yellow spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, known for its earthy flavor and health benefits.
• Example: Turmeric is used in curry powders and gives dishes like curry rice its vibrant yellow color.

Vanilla

• Definition: A flavoring derived from the pods of the vanilla orchid, used in baking and desserts.
• Example: Vanilla extract is commonly used to flavor cakes, cookies, and ice cream.

Cassia

• Definition: A type of cinnamon with a stronger flavor, often used in Asian cuisine.
• Example: Cassia is often used in Chinese five-spice powder.

Cloves

• Definition: The dried flower buds of the clove tree, used for their aromatic and spicy flavor.
• Example: Cloves are used in spiced beverages and baked goods.

Corn

• Definition: While not a spice, corn is a grain used in cooking, such as in cornstarch or cornmeal.
• Example: Cornmeal is used to make cornbread and as a coating for fried foods.

Crop

• Definition: A general term for plants grown for food, fiber, or other purposes.
• Example: Different crops, such as spices and vegetables, are cultivated in various climates.

Garlic

• Definition: A pungent bulb used for its distinctive flavor and aroma in cooking.
• Example: Fresh garlic is used in a variety of dishes, from pasta sauces to stir-fries.

Green Pepper

• Definition: Unripe peppers used as a spice or vegetable, often with a milder flavor than ripe peppers.
• Example: Green peppercorns are used in sauces and pickling.

Lentil

• Definition: While not a spice, lentils are a legume used in cooking for their protein content.
• Example: Lentils are used in soups, stews, and salads.

Mace

• Definition: A spice made from the outer covering of the nutmeg seed, with a flavor similar to nutmeg.
• Example: Mace is used in baking and in spice blends.

Mint

• Definition: An herb with a fresh, cool flavor, used in cooking and as a garnish.
• Example: Mint is used in mojitos and as a garnish for desserts.

Mustard

• Definition: A spice made from the seeds of the mustard plant, used to make mustard condiments or as a seasoning.
• Example: Mustard is used in sandwiches, dressings, and as a condiment for meats.

Onion

• Definition: While not a spice, onion is used as a fundamental ingredient in many dishes for its flavor.
• Example: Onions are sautéed as a base for soups and sauces.

Poppy

• Definition: The seeds of the poppy plant, used in baking and as a topping.
• Example: Poppy seeds are used in bagels and muffins.

Red Pepper

• Definition: The dried and ground fruit of red chili peppers, used to add heat and color to dishes.
• Example: Red pepper flakes are used to add spice to pizza and pasta.

Salt

• Definition: A mineral used to enhance the flavor of foods.
• Example: Salt is a basic seasoning used in virtually all cooking.

Sesame

• Definition: Seeds used for their nutty flavor and as a garnish or ingredient in cooking.
• Example: Sesame seeds are used in Asian dishes and on buns for burgers.