Top 5 Spices for Creating Flavourful Blends

Creating a signature flavour requires the perfect blend of seasoning and spices. But with so many options available, how do you know where to start?

Fortunately, we can simplify this complicated sifting process through the different spice and herb varieties. We can build a delightful foundation for any blend by starting with the most flavourful, versatile, and dynamic ingredients.

All around the world are examples of popular spice blends that utilize one or more of the incredibly powerful spices listed in this article. These famous flavours prove just how vast the possibilities are when it comes to spice blending. From five fantastic spices can come dozens of blend varieties!

If you seek inspiration for a new blend, look no further than these five flavourful spices.

The Spices

1. Cinnamon

   We commonly associate cinnamon with oatmeal, apple pies, and holiday cookies. However, this powerful warming spice has a place in a wide variety of meals. When combined with other spices, it can be found in Indian, Moroccan, and American dishes.

   Try it with smoothies, chillis, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, and fried spinach.

2. Ginger

   While cooking with fresh ginger is great at home, creating a well-mixed spice blend is best done with dried ground ginger. It pairs beautifully with cinnamon, as well as with hotter spices like cayenne and chill powder. Ginger can be found in Indian, Asian, and African cuisine.

   Try it with oatmeal, chocolate desserts, carrots, squash, potatoes.

3. Turmeric

   With its vivid yellow colour and distinct flavour profile, turmeric can be a powerful addition to a spice blend. Turmeric is traditionally a staple in Indian cooking but has recently been used in a vast range of recipes.

   Try it with golden milk, smoothies, bone broth, chicken, corn, carrots.

4. Cayenne Pepper

   Look no further than cayenne pepper to add heat to any spice blend or dish. It’s an obvious choice for Southern BBQ dishes, yet it also can be used to elevate the flavour of vegetables and dips.

   Try it with chicken, bone broth, soup, marinades, hummus, cauliflower, corn, potatoes.

5. Oregano

   Oregano is a herb commonly found on Italian dishes and in Italian herb blends. It isn’t the sole property of European cooking; oregano is also a component of Louisiana and Texas dishes.

   Try it on pizza, spaghetti sauce, soup, salad dressings, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach.

Examples of Spice Blends from Around the World

American

• Jerk Seasoning

  Cinnamon, Allspice, Cloves, Nutmeg, Thyme, Garlic, Hot Scotch Bonnet Peppers (or Cayenne Pepper)

  This blend is typically used to add a BBQ flavour, either as a dry rub or a marinade.

• Blackening Seasoning

  Cayenne Pepper, Oregano, Paprika, Garlic, Thyme, Pepper

  This spice blend earns its name from the paprika, which turns a reddish-black colour when seared. It is used to coat meat or fish roasted on a skillet.

• Cajun

  Cayenne, Oregano, Cumin, Thyme, Garlic, Paprika, Black Pepper, Mustard Seeds

  From Louisiana, Cajun spice blends boast spice and fragrance without the salt.

• Tex-Mex

  Cayenne, Oregano, Paprika, Nutmeg, Garlic, Onion, Thyme, Celery Seed

  Texas and Mexico merge to create Tex-Mex. Think tacos, burritos, chillis, and just about anything else your imagination can cook up.

• Old Bay Seasoning

  Ginger, Cinnamon, Celery Seed, Bay Leaf, Pepper, Cloves, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Mace, Mustard, Paprika

  Originating from the Chesapeake Bay area, add this mix to seafood.

European

• Italian Seasoning

  Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Garlic, Red Pepper

  All the best herbs for any Italian dish, whether meat or vegetables.

• Herbs de Provence

  Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender, Savoury, Bay Leaf, Black Pepper

  This blend incorporates all the native herbs from its namesake area, Provence, France! Both light and flavourful, it’s well suited for grilled fish, meat, and veggie stir-fries.

• Quatre Epices

  Ginger, Cloves, Nutmeg, Pepper

  French and Mediterranean influences are found in the Quatre Epices blend. Strews, vegetables, sausage, and pate all flourish under these flavours.

Indian

• Garam Masala

  Ginger, Cinnamon, Cumin, Coriander, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Clove, Nutmeg

  The name means “hot” and “mixture of spices” and has no set recipe. There are many different variations! Expect to find these spices on both vegetarian and meat dishes.

• Curry Powder

  Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, Red Pepper

  Naturally, the most obvious application for this spice blend is Indian curries. That being said, curry powder is also a great addition to stews, vegetables,

African and Middle Eastern

• Moroccan

  Cinnamon, Ginger, Pepper, Cilantro, Cumin, Clove, Nutmeg

  These spices create the perfect traditional Moroccan tajine or couscous.

• Za’atar

  Oregano, Thyme, Sesame Seeds, Field Calamint, Sumac, Marjoram, Green Anise, Cilantro, Cumin

  The potential uses of Za’atar are nearly limitless. Combine it with cheese, on bagels, hummus, or use it as a dip.

Asian

• Chinese 5 Spice Powder

  Cinnamon, Star Anise, Cloves, Fennel, White Pepper

  The flavour profile of this blend is deep, spicy, and a little bit sweet. Use it on marinades for fatty meats, soups, stews, and stir-fries.

• Thai Seasoning

  Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Onion, Pepper, Cilantro, Cumin, Bay Leaf

  This blend brings a Thai twist to any recipe with a combination of herbs and spices.

• Asian Satay

  Turmeric, Ginger, Cumin, Garlic, Cilantro, Coriander Seed, Citronella, Onion, Pepper, Salt, Sugar

  The satay is all about the peanut, yet these spices are still crucial in creating a delicious Asian satay.

Finding Your Flavour With These 5 Spices

The perfect spice blend begins with high-quality, aromatic, and flavourful ingredients. By choosing cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and oregano as the foundational element, your blend is well on its way to delighting customers.

We can look at examples of famous spice mixes from around the world to see the power of these five spices. From Chinese 5 Spice to Garam Masala to Cajun seasoning, many of the most popular international flavours incorporate one of the five spices listed in this article.

Cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and oregano can help you find your ideal flavour. The perfect custom spice blend for your products begins with these championed tastes and Hela Spice expertise.

To learn more about our custom spice blending, visit Hela Spice at www.helaspice.com or contact us here.