Overview of Spices
A spice is part of a plant used to add flavor or color to food. Spices are categorized in various ways: by part of the plant, type of flavor, or spice mixture. Some examples are cajun spice, curry spice, jerk spice, garam masala, and others. Hot spices include pepper, cayenne, paprika, chili, and fennel. Sweet spices include cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, and coriander. Common spices are black pepper, garlic, and ginger. Spices can make food more tasty and interesting. Specific spices have unique flavors and characteristics. Understanding spices’ botanical names offers insight into their classification and origins. Botanical names are a standardized system to identify plants. Developed by Carl Linnaeus, names consist of the genus and species. Spices have historically been used in medicine, rituals, cosmetics, and perfumes. They preserve foods and mask unpleasant tastes. Spices bring complexity, aroma, color, and depth to cuisines globally.
Top Spices Lists
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