Spicing Up Your Kitchen

"COOKING IS LIKE PAINTING OR WRITING A SONG. JUST AS THERE'S ONLY SO MANY NOTES AND COLORS, THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY FLAVORS - IT'S HOW YOU COMBINE THEM THAT SETS YOU APART."

Spices are a staple of culture, culinary or otherwise, as so much of culture centers around food; spices are a big part of what gives food its flare and identity. If you can master spices, you can unlock a whole new dimension to every meal you make.

If you take the same ingredients, say tomatoes, onions, and peppers, and you add turmeric, cumin, and ginger powder, you'll end up with a more Indian style sauce base. But if you add basil, coriander, and black pepper, you'll end up with a more Italian style sauce. 

Spices have an identity rooted in region, history, and techniques. They can alter the entire experience and theme of a meal. And they are packed with antioxidants and health benefits. Even just a few teaspoons of certain spices and herbs can have anti-inflammatory effects. So whether you want to eat healthier, or travel the world in your kitchen, mastering spices should be on your 2025 goals list.

Here are a list of good spices to have on hand, some fun blends to play with, and how to store and use them for maximum impact.

Staple spices and herbs to add to your pantry:

1. Cinnamon

2. Onion Powder

3. Paprika

4. Garlic Powder

5. Cumin

6. Turmeric

7. Oregano

8. Coriander

9. Curry Powder

10. Black Pepper

If you fancy:

1. Cloves

2. Cardamom

3. Ras El Hannout

4. Chilli powder

5. Old Bay Seasoning

6. Nutmeg

7. Garam Masala

8. Italian Seasoning Mix

9. Rosemary

10. Chives

Tips on buying spices:

1. Buy an amount you will use quickly. Spices lose potency. Whole spices last about a year and ground spices last about 6 months before they start to degrade rapidly in flavor and health benefits. Buying them from World Spice or even Winco is a good option so you can control the amount and quality of your purchase. Wholesalers like Winco can be pretty cost effective too if you’re shopping on a budget.

2. Buy what you will actually enjoy eating and using. There’s no point in stocking up on expensive spices you don’t like or won’t use. Just start with 3-5 you like and go from there.

3. Toast your spices in a small amount of oil before adding other ingredients to help revive them and unlock flavors.

4. Try buying a spice blend so you can have multiple spices all in one place instead of buying each one individually. It’s cheaper and easier, but less versatile if you want a recipe with a specific combination of spices.

5. Talk with a spice expert. We will have many expert chefs doing free cooking classes this year so definitely stop by to ask them your questions. It’s okay to experiment and play as you learn.

6. Remember to store spices in a cool dark space because light and moisture degrade them quickly. Glass airtight containers are also a good investment.

7. Store them where they are easily accessible so you are more likely to use them. Tasteful spice racks are a great way to not only store your supplies, but maybe even add a decorative touch to your kitchen. Beautiful spaces are inspiring spaces so don’t skimp on tasteful arrangements. You could even build one yourself if you have the time and desire to add something with story and uniqueness.