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 |
2 Responses
Very nice sight for LEARNING how to use familar spices.
Thanks for letting me know Barbbara.