The Spice Route
Explore our collection of 34 spices from around the world. Discover their origins, flavors and culinary uses.
How to use The Spice Route?
The Spice Route is your complete guide to mastering the art of spices in cooking. Each detailed entry gives you:
- Geographic origin and history of the spice
- Taste profile with intensity and heat level
- Perfect pairings with meats, fish and vegetables
- Usage tips and mistakes to avoid
- Substitutions if you don't have the spice
34 spices found
Poivre andaliman
Andaliman pepper comes from Sumatra and belongs to the Sichuan-type pepper family.
Dried resin of Ferula assa-foetida, asafoetida has a very strong, unpleasant raw odor that transforms into subtle garlic and onion flavor when cooked.
Cumin noir
Black cumin, or nigella, has been used since antiquity in the Middle East and Asia.
Ail noir
Black garlic is made by slowly fermenting garlic, popularized in Asia and embraced by modern cooking.
Graines de sésame noir
Unhulled version of sesame, black seeds have a more pronounced, earthy taste. Popular in Japanese cuisine for their decorative aspect.
Cardamome chinoise
Chinese cardamom has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine.
Mélange cinq-épices chinois
Traditional Chinese blend of five flavors: star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel seeds. Base for Cantonese marinades.
Menthe chocolat
Mint has been used since antiquity in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Asia for its refreshing aroma.
Menthe séchée
Mint has been used since antiquity in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Asia for its refreshing aroma.
Menthe poivrée séchée
Mint has been used since antiquity in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Asia for its refreshing aroma.
Ail
Native to Central Asia, garlic has been used for thousands of years across Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.
Baie du Sichuan verte
Green Sichuan pepper is harvested earlier than red, offering a fresher, more citrus-forward profile.
Réglisse moulue
Root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice offers a sweet, slightly bitter aroma. Used in both sweet preparations and some savory dishes.
Poivre de Java
Java pepper is grown in Indonesia and has a straightforward heat.
Poivre de Kampot
Kampot pepper is a Cambodian PGI pepper renowned worldwide.
Citronnelle
Stalks of Cymbopogon citratus, lemongrass has an intense, fresh citrus aroma. Pillar of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, it flavors soups and curries.
Coriandre longue
Long coriander refers to elongated coriander seeds, offering a more citrusy and refined aroma than standard coriander.
Baie du Népal
Nepal pepper refers to aromatic Himalayan pepper berries with fresh, complex notes.
Baie de sansho
Sansho is a Japanese pepper related to Sichuan pepper, long used for its citrusy, numbing notes.
Poivre de Sarawak
Sarawak pepper comes from Malaysia and is valued for its balance.
Japanese seven-spice blend including chili, Sichuan pepper, citrus zest and sesame seeds. Perfect on noodles and soups.
Poivre de Sichuan
Native to China, Sichuan pepper isn't a true pepper but a berry with citrusy, numbing notes.
Racine de gingembre fumée
Smoked ginger is a modern variation adding aromatic depth.
Poivre de Timut
Nepalese cousin of Sichuan pepper, Timut pepper stands out with pronounced grapefruit and passion fruit notes. Electrifying sensation on the palate.
Sarawak blanc
White Sarawak pepper comes from Malaysia and is valued for its gentle aroma.