• Uses for Common Herbs and Spices
| Herb/Spice | Characteristics and Uses |
|---|---|
| Allspice | Similar to cloves, fruits, relishes, braised meats, spice mixes |
| Anise | Sweet licorice, Asian cuisine, pastries, breads, cheeses, sauces, soups |
| Basil | Tomatoes, salads, eggs, fish, chicken, lamb, cheeses, garlic and oregano |
| Bay Leaf | Woodsy background note to soups, sauces, braising liquid |
| Caraway | Rye bread, cabbage, beans, pork, beef, veal, sauerkraut |
| Cardamom | Aromatic, Indian cuisine, baked goods, clove and cinnamon |
| Chervil | Related to parsley, chicken, fish, eggs, salads, soups, vegetables |
| Cayenne Pepper | Dried and ground red chili peppers, sweet heat for soups, braises, anywhere for heat |
| Cilantro | Asian and Mexican cuisine, tomatoes, peppers, sauces, fish, chicken |
| Cinnamon | Used in both sweet and savory dishes, nearly every world cuisine |
| Cloves | Sweet and warming, baking, braised meat, ham |
| Coriander | Seeds of cilantro, earthy, lemony, meats, chicken, seafood |
| Cumin | Smoky and earthy, chili, sausage, stews, eggs, tacos |
| Curry | Chicken, seafood, meats, lentils, rice, vegetables |
| Dill | Soups, salads, seafood, bread, potatoes, pickles, cheeses |
| Fennel Seed | Sweet licorice, meats, tomatoes, sausage, sauces, lamb, eggs |
| Garlic | Meats, tomatoes, seafood, potatoes, sauces |
| Ginger | Spicy, zesty, sauces, pastries, poultry, seafood, curries |
| Mace | Same plant as nutmeg, subtle, delicate, stews, sausages, she-crab soup |
| Marjoram | Earthy, mild, sausages, pates, meats, poultry, vegetables, tomatoes |
| Nutmeg | Sweet, pungent, curries, rice, eggs, baked goods, sauces, savory dishes |
| Oregano | Robust, lemony, pairs with basil, pizza, tomato sauces |
| Paprika | Sweet pepper, red color, stews, bbq sauce, poultry, seafood, rice, lentils |
| Peppercorns | Variety of colors, pungent with mild heat |
| Rosemary | Piney, eggs, beans, potatoes, rice, meats, seafood, lamb, stews, marinades |
| Saffron | Subtle floral, bright yellow, rice, breads, potatoes, seafood, poultry, stews |
| Sage | Piney, lemony, poultry, pork, stuffings, pasta, beans, tomatoes |
| Tarragon | Licorice, poultry, fish, eggs, salad dressings, sauces, tomatoes |
| Thyme | Pungent, woodsy, fish, chicken, meats, stews, soups, tomatoes |
| Turmeric | Woodsy, yellow color, curries, rice, eggs, bread, sauces, seafood, poultry |