The Spice Route
Explore our collection of 47 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
47 spices found
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.
Menthe chocolat
Mint has been used since antiquity in the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Asia for its refreshing aroma.
Coriandre (graines)
Coriander has been grown since ancient times. The seeds taste warmer and more citrusy than the fresh leaves.
Coriandre (graines)
Coriander has been grown since ancient times. The seeds taste warmer and more citrusy than the fresh leaves.
Lavande culinaire
Culinary lavender is cultivated in Provence and has been used to flavor desserts and savory dishes for centuries.
Herbe à curry
Curry herb is a Mediterranean aromatic plant whose aroma recalls curry.
Cerfeuil séché
Chervil is a classic French herb, used fresh or dried.
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.
Estragon séché
Tarragon is a classic French herb prized for its anise-like aroma.
Fenouil (graines)
Common in Mediterranean cooking, fennel has a gentle anise-like flavor. Its seeds are used in savory dishes and teas.
Ail
Native to Central Asia, garlic has been used for thousands of years across Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.
Ail en poudre
Garlic powder is dehydrated garlic, developed for long shelf life and convenience in modern cooking.
Ail granulé
Granulated garlic is a coarser dehydrated form than powder, popular in dry rubs and seasoning blends.
Origan grec
Greek oregano is a Mediterranean herb emblematic of Greek cuisine.
Coriandre moulue
Ground coriander is widely used worldwide for its warm, citrusy aroma.
Réglisse moulue
Root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice offers a sweet, slightly bitter aroma. Used in both sweet preparations and some savory dishes.
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.
Mahlep
Seeds of Prunus mahaleb, mahleb has a sweet fragrance reminiscent of a cherry-almond cross. Used in Greek and Middle Eastern pastries.
Marjolaine
Leaves of Origanum majorana, marjoram offers a more delicate aroma than oregano with sweet, floral notes. Perfect in stuffings and meat dishes.
Origan mexicain
Mexican oregano differs from Mediterranean oregano and is widely used in Mexican cuisine.
Baie de myrte
Myrtle berries are used in Mediterranean cooking, especially in Sardinia, with resinous and lightly peppery notes.
Ail rôti séché
Dried roasted garlic captures roasted garlic's mellow, caramel-like character in a shelf-stable form.
Sarriette
An ancient Mediterranean herb, savory is often used with legumes and meats.
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.
Romarin fumé
Smoked rosemary is a modern variation enhancing Mediterranean aroma.
Paprika doux fumé
Smoked paprika comes from Spain and is wood-smoked.
Thym fumé
Smoked thyme is a modern variation of Mediterranean thyme.
Fenouil doux
Sweet fennel has been used since antiquity around the Mediterranean.
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.