New to cooking? A stocked spice cabinet can certainly help. Spices have had a significant impact on human civilization for thousands of years. At one point, spices were traded as hot commodities and were even used as currency as well. Today, spices are used to create flavor and add depth, aroma, and complexity to dishes, making them indispensable to cooking. But beyond that, spices can also be used for a number of other purposes.

The Use of Spices Around the World

Throughout history, spices have been celebrated for their rare origins, medicinal properties, and limited availability. The creation of spice trade routes had a great impact on cultures, societies, and continents, shaping world history. As a result, many spices, including cinnamon, ginger, pepper, and cloves, were historically regarded as valuable as precious metals.

Using spices is helpful for creating flavorful dishes from basic, bland ingredients. They can improve the taste, orchestrating harmony in existing flavors to create a balanced dish. Certain spices can also act as natural preservatives and antiseptics which helps to prevent food spoilage and reduce bacteria.

Spices have also been used for their medicinal properties and therapeutic benefits. Many contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, promoting better physical health.

Spices can be used in beauty spaces as well. They can be found in perfumes, scented oils, and natural beauty products. You might also notice that certain spices such as cinnamon and clove are used in scented candles or potpourri to add warmth and create a homey atmosphere.

The Best Beginner Spices To Stock Up On

Learning about spices can be exciting. Spices can help you create aromatic curries, a comforting cup of spiced tea, or special spice blends. Still, cooking with spices can be challenging if you are new to cooking. There are so many different kinds of spices and seasoning blends to choose from, making selecting the right one difficult to do. To get you started, here are six spices to stock up on if you are new to cooking:

Salt

Though not technically a spice, salt is absolutely vital for cooking. It provides the fundamental function of intensifying the flavors of your dishes. When handled in moderation, salt can naturally enhance the tastes of ingredients, balancing different components in a dish. Salt is also effective at reducing bitterness, reducing acidity, or emphasizing sweetness.

Salt is a great flavor enhancer, but remember not to go overboard with the seasoning. Always add salt gradually and taste the dish as you go to prevent it from becoming too salty. The correct amount of salt can turn an average meal into an exceptional one, so every chef should keep it in their kitchen.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a useful substitute for fresh garlic and is a common ingredient in many recipes. It is made by drying and grinding garlic cloves into a fine powder, making it easy to use in cooking.

Garlic powder is extremely versatile and can be used in marinades, sauces, and as a seasoning for meats and vegetables. And if you prefer a less potent garlic flavor, using garlic powder is a convenient option. Plus, it lasts longer than fresh garlic, which makes it a dependable pantry staple.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a spice that is commonly used in savory dishes. It has a distinct flavor profile that adds a pleasant spiciness to food, which makes it great for seasoning different ingredients. Black pepper goes well with many types of food and can help improve the taste of meats and vegetables. Its strong taste can make dishes taste more interesting, whether grilling a steak, roasting vegetables, or mixing up a flavorful sauce.

You can use black pepper in multiple ways, such as in spice blends, marinades, and rubs. It adds depth and richness to the taste of savory dishes and is essential for novice chefs who want to improve the flavor of their recipes. As a culinary spice, black pepper provides a flavorful kick to your dishes.

Oregano

If you enjoy cooking Italian and Mediterranean dishes, oregano is a must to stock up on for your spice cabinet. This herb has a bold taste that is slightly bitter and robust, making it perfect for adding depth and complexity to a number of dishes.

For example, oregano is a key ingredient in many Italian dishes, especially in tomato-based sauces like marinara and pizza sauce. It gives the sauces a special herbal flavor that improves their overall taste. Oregano is also commonly used in Italian herb blends, such as the classic mixture of oregano, basil, and thyme, which is frequently added to pasta dishes and herb-infused oils.

Oregano is commonly used in Mediterranean cooking, too. Pairing well with grilled or roasted veggies, this distinct herb is useful when you want to add a savory, aromatic element to your dish. You can find it in Mediterranean salads, dressing, and marinades for grilled meats.

Paprika

Paprika is a very special spice that can enhance the flavors of your dishes with its mild smoky taste and bright red color. Often used in spice blends, this bright and bold spice pairs well with meats, stews, soups, and roasted vegetables.

Adding paprika to your dishes not only makes them look appetizing but also adds a slightly sweet and smoky taste to foods. This means using paprika can improve both the overall taste and presentation of your culinary creations.

Cumin

Cumin is an uber-important spice in a number of cuisines, from Mexican to Middle Eastern. This is due to its warm and earthy flavor that provides a unique depth that sets it apart from other spices. Cumin has an aromatic and slightly nutty profile that perfectly complements multiple recipes. For this reason, stocking up on this extraordinary spice would be a valuable addition.

Cumin is an important ingredient in Mexican cuisine because it enhances the taste of spice blends like chili powder and taco seasoning, providing a rich and complex flavor to dishes such as chili con carne, enchiladas, and salsas.

Cumin is also a widely used spice in Middle Eastern cuisine. It adds a depth of flavor to dishes such as falafel, hummus, and spice rubs for grilled meats. Cumin blends well with the other herbs and spices commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking and enhances the overall taste.