Spice and Herb Chart

A Simple Chart Describing Herbs & Spices & How to Use Them

Welcome to the world of flavors and aromas! This spice and herb chart is your gateway to enhancing culinary delights with the perfect blend of seasonings. Whether a novice or a seasoned chef, understanding the characteristics and uses of spices and herbs can elevate your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.

Spices and herbs are nature's treasure trove, offering a spectrum of tastes, scents, and textures that can transform a simple recipe into a sensory masterpiece. From the fiery warmth of chili powder to the delicate floral notes of lavender, each spice and herb brings its unique personality to the kitchen. This chart is your practical guide, outlining essential information such as flavor profiles, culinary pairings, and usage tips, equipping you to apply your new knowledge in the kitchen.

Spices and herbs are your creative tools in the kitchen. Learn how to balance garlic’s pungency with cilantro’s freshness or how a pinch of nutmeg can enrich sweet and savory dishes. Discover the versatility of spices like cumin and paprika, which can lend depth to everything from soups to marinades. Herbs like basil and thyme offer a freshness that brightens salads and sauces alike.

Whether exploring global cuisines or perfecting family recipes, this chart empowers you to experiment confidently with spices and herbs. Embrace the art of seasoning as you navigate this flavorful journey, unlocking the secrets of spice combinations that tantalize taste buds and create memorable dining experiences. Prepare to spice up your cooking and embark on a culinary adventure!

Herbs

Name	Flavor Profile	Assoc. Cuisine	Savory	Sweet	Goes Well With
Basil	Fresh, peppery & sweet	Italian, Thai, Vietnamese	Yes	No	Tomato, Citrus, Fowl
Bay Leaf	Pungent, sharp, floral	Indian, Mediterranean	Yes	No	Meats, Fish, Soups, Stews
Chives	Light, oniony	French, Swedish	Yes	No	Eggs, Cheese, Fish, Veggies
Cilantro	Sharp, lemony	Mexican, Middle Eastern	Yes	No	Fowl, Citrus, Curries, Avocado
Dill	Fresh, think carroway	Eastern European, Russian	Yes	No	Cucumbers, Beets, Fish
Marjoram	Aromatic, bitter, citrusy	Middle Eastern, French	Yes	No	Fish, Lamb, Poultry, Veggies
Mint	Bright, cooling, aromatic	Middle Eastern, Indian, American	Yes	No	Desserts, Lamb, Fish, Fruit
Oregano	Pungent, aromatic, earthy	Mediterranean, Italian, Latin	Yes	No	Tomatoes, Meats, Eggplant
Parsley	Fresh, green, bright	Middle Eastern, American, European	Yes	No	Soups, Stews, Beef, Chicken, Fish
Sage	Pungent, peppery, minty	Italian, Middle Eastern, British	Yes	No	Pork, Veal, Poultry, Sausage
Thyme	Earthy, subtle, lemony	Lebanese	Yes	Yes	Mushrooms

 

Spices

Name	Flavor Profile	Assoc. Cuisines	Savory	Sweet	Goes Well With
Allspice	Warm, sweet, clove, nutmeg	British, American	Yes	Yes	Jerk rubs, marinades, sausage
Cardamom	Sweet, aromatic, cool, resinous	Scandinavian, Asian, African	Yes	Yes	Pastries, breads, curry, pickling
Cinnamon	Warm, sweet, aromatic, spicy	Mexican, Middle Eastern, European	Yes	Yes	Lamb, pork, fruit,chutneys, baked goods
Coriander	Warm, refreshing, sweet, citrusy	Thai, South American, South Asian	Yes	Yes	Curry, pork, pickling, sausage
Cumin	Warm, earthy, pungent	Mexican, Mediterranean, Indian	Yes	No	Soups, stews, beans, curry, vegetables
Ginger	Hot, aromatic, peppery-sweet	Asian, Indian, European, Caribbean	Yes	Yes	Curry, soups, stew, chicken, baked goods
Nutmeg	Sweet, aromatic, warm, spicy	Malaysian, Caribbean, Indian, Greek	Yes	Yes	Vegetables, cream sauces, baked goods
Paprika	Hot or sweet, smokey	Turkish, Spanish, American, Latin	Yes	No	Soups, stews, vegetables
Pepper	Pungent, warm	Almost Universal	Yes	Yes	Meats, vegetables, baked goods, stews
Salt	Salty	Universal	Yes	Yes	Everything
Turmeric	Warm, pungent, slightly bitter	Southeast Asia, Middle Eastern	Yes	No	Curry, pickles, stews, vegetables, coloring