The Spice Route
Explore our collection of 55 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
55 spices found
Graines de roquette
Arugula has been cultivated since antiquity around the Mediterranean.
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.
Herbe à curry
Curry herb is a Mediterranean aromatic plant whose aroma recalls curry.
Aneth (graines)
Widely used in Northern and Eastern Europe, dill has a fresh anise-like aroma and is often paired with fish.
Basilic séché
Basil is a signature herb of Italian and Asian cuisines, known for its fresh, sweet aroma.
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.
Persil séché
Parsley is a European herb used since ancient times, both as garnish and seasoning.
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.
Basilic thaï séché
Basil is a signature herb of Italian and Asian cuisines, known for its fresh, sweet 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.
Graines d'aneth moulues
Widely used in Northern and Eastern Europe, dill has a fresh anise-like aroma and is often paired with fish.
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.
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.
Paprika is a mild to moderately spicy spice made from dried and ground red peppers. Its taste ranges from sweet and fruity to smoky and intense depending on its preparation.
Basilic pourpre
Purple basil is a decorative and aromatic variety prized for its color and slightly spicy flavor.
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.
Fenouil marin
Sea fennel grows along European coasts and was used by sailors to prevent scurvy.
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.
Fenugrec germé séché
Sprouted fenugreek is a traditional Indian ingredient, where germination enhances flavor and nutrients.
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.
Cerfeuil sauvage
Wild chervil grows naturally in Europe and has long been used as a delicate aromatic herb.
Ail des ours séché
Wild garlic is a European woodland plant valued for a gentler, more herbal garlic flavor. Dried, it becomes a convenient seasoning.
Ail sauvage
Wild garlic (often used similarly to ramsons depending on naming) is a foraged aromatic prized for its green garlic-like flavor.
Livèche sauvage
Wild lovage grows naturally in Europe and offers a more rustic flavor than cultivated varieties.
Romarin sauvage
Wild rosemary grows naturally around the Mediterranean basin.