The Spice Route
Explore our collection of 22 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
22 spices found
Bouton de cassis
Blackcurrant buds are used in French gastronomy for their intense vegetal and fruity aroma.
Native to the Americas, chili gets its heat from capsaicin. Thousands of varieties exist, from mild to blazing hot. Essential in Mexican, Indian and Asian cuisines.
Lavande culinaire
Culinary lavender is cultivated in Provence and has been used to flavor desserts and savory dishes for centuries.
Piment d'Espelette
From France's Basque Country, Espelette pepper is known for mild heat and fruity aromas (often protected by designation in France).
Genièvre moulu
Juniper has been used since the Middle Ages in Europe, especially for meats and spirits.
Herbes de Provence
A classic blend from southern France, herbes de Provence usually combine thyme, rosemary, oregano, and savory.
Paprika fort
Paprika with a good dose of heat, for those who like warmth along with color. Popular in goulash and spicy dishes.
Paprika hongrois
Hungarian paprika is emblematic of Central European cuisine.
Baie de genièvre
Female cones of Juniperus communis, juniper berries have a pungent, resinous flavor with woody, sweet notes. Essential for gin and sauerkraut.
Estragon mexicain
Widely used in French cuisine, tarragon is known for its delicate anise-like aroma.
Genièvre rouge
Red juniper is a rare variety offering a fruitier profile than classic juniper.
Paprika piquant fumé
This paprika combines heat with traditional smoking.
Paprika fumé
Strongly associated with Spain (pimentón), smoked paprika is made from peppers that are dried and smoked, creating a deep, woody flavor.
Paprika doux fumé
Smoked paprika comes from Spain and is wood-smoked.
Paprika doux
Powder from dried sweet peppers with a fruity, slightly sweet taste. Adds color and flavor without heat. Essential in Hungarian and Spanish cuisine.
Genièvre sauvage
Wild juniper grows naturally in Europe and is highly aromatic.