Spice Guide

Throughout history, spices have been a driver of trade, war, superstition and ultimately, cuisine. Once a symbol of wealth and power, spices from around the world now bring depth and interest to everyday cooking. These essential spices should be staples in your pantry.

Cinnamon

Earthy, Floral

Origin: Sri Lanka | Vietnam
Fun Fact: One of the world’s oldest spices (2800 BC), cinnamon was once so valued that it was traded as currency.
Surprising Pairing: Cinnamon & Oranges: Peel oranges and slice into wheels. Sprinkle with cinnamon for a classic light dessert from Morocco.
Recipe Tip: For a earthy and sweet note, try our Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Stuffing, which features our prized, world-class cinnamon.

Garlic

Savory, Aromatic

Origin: Asia
Fun Fact: The average American consumes over 2 1/2 pounds of garlic annually.
Surprising Pairing: Garlic Powder & Popcorn: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder over popcorn.
Recipe Tip: Give potatoes, like our Parsley and Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe, a savory kick with a dash or two of garlic powder.

Black Pepper

Floral, Spicy

Origin: India
Fun Fact: One of the first spices to be traded, black pepper was also discovered in the mummified body of pharaoh Ramses I.
Surprising Pairing: Give your favorite gingerbread recipe a kick by adding 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the spices.
Recipe Tip: Black pepper lends a peppery bite to dishes, such as our Black Pepper Garlic Shrimp.

Bay Leaf

Gentle, Savory

Origin: Mediterranean
Fun Fact: Myrcene, part of the essential oils of many perfumes, can be extracted from bay leaves.
Surprising Pairing: Bay Leaf & Oil: Place 2 or 3 bay leaves in a jar, and cover with vegetable oil. The bay will lightly season the oil.
Recipe Tip: The Roasted Eggplant Lasagna classic comfort dish utilizes bay leaves along with other Simply Organic spices.

Oregano

Earthy, Peppery

Origin: Southern Europe
Fun Fact: Oregano was popularized in the U.S. after WWII, as soldiers returned home from Italian battlefields.
Surprising Pairing: Oregano & Salad Dressing: Stir 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano into 1/2 cup of any non-creamy salad dressing.
Recipe Tip: This earthy, Italian spice shines in our savory Penne with Tomato and Herbs recipe.

Cloves

Earthy, Sweet

Origin

SRI LANKA

Fun Fact

In the 3rd century BCE, a Chinese leader in the Han Dynastry required those who addressed him to chew cloves to freshen their breath.

Surprising Pairing

Cloves & Asian Curries: Add a pinch of dried cloves to any Asian curry recipe.

Recipe Tip

This Vegetarian Cider Gravy recipe features the unique, warm notes of cinnamon, allspice, cloves and ginger.

Ginger

Peppery, Sweet

Origin

PERU

Fun Fact

Ancient medical records indicate that ginger was used in teas, baths and chest compresses.

Surprising Pairing

Ginger & Chocolate: Stir 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger into your favorite hot cocoa or hot chocolate mix.

Recipe Tip

Spicy-sweet ginger lends well-rounded flavor in our Pineapple Juice with Ginger recipe.

Cayenne Pepper

Spicy, Clean

Origin

INDIA

Fun Fact

The term "cayenne" is often used to refer to any ground pepper, but true cayenne (which takes its name from the French Guinea city of Cayenne) is actually a particular type of chili pepper.

Surprising Pairing

Cayenne & Eggs: Add a pinch of cayenne to scrambled eggs, or lightly dust the yolks of fried eggs with cayenne.

Recipe Tip

This Mexican Hot Cocoa recipe creates a whole new hot chocolate experience. Rich, chopped dark chocolate combines with creamy milk, while a dash of cayenne add just the right kick.

Turmeric

Earthy, Peppery

Origin

INDIA

Fun Fact

Turmeric is best known as the spice that gives curry powder its distinctive color.

Surprising Pairing

Turmeric & Tea: Add 1/4 teaspoon to your favorite hot tea, then sweeten with honey.

Recipe Tip

Traditionally used in Indian fare, like our Garam Masala Lentil Soup with Coriander Yogurt recipe, turmeric adds peppery flavor to each bite.

Cumin

Earthy, Smoky

Origin

MIDDLE EAST

Fun Fact

The ancient Greeks used cumin seed as a table condiment, much like we use pepper today.

Surprising Pairing

Cumin & Cheese: Sprinkle the cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich with ground cumin before cooking.

Recipe Tip

Used in Mexican cuisine, cumin adds a smoky, earthy note in our Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Paprika

Sweet, Warm

Origin

EUROPE | WESTERN ASIA

Fun Fact

The brightest red peppers aren't the hottest. In fact, the lighter red and lighter brown are hotter than the bright varieties. For mildest flavor, choose the Spanish variety; for a bit more pizzazz, go Hungarian.

Surprising Pairing

Paprika & Mushrooms: Add 1 tsp. paprika to any sautéed mushroom recipe for rich color and sweet flavor.

Recipe Tip

An unexpected way to savor pungent and spicy flavors in our Snack Mix.

Nutmeg

Warm, Sweet

Origin

INDONESIA

Fun Fact

Known as the seed that sparked the spice-trading race, the Portuguese Spanish and Dutch fought for control of nutmeg for over 300 hundred years.

Surprising Pairing

Nutmeg & Quiche: Add 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg to all your quiche batters.

Recipe Tip

Carrot Cake Muffins feature a sweet, but warming nuance with the addition of nutmeg.

Basil

Sweet, Spicy

Origin

EGYPT

Fun Fact

In Europe, basil was commonly placed in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey.

Surprising Pairing

Basil & Vegetable Broth: Boil 1 quart vegetable broth with 1 tablespoon dried basil. Remove from heat and strain. Basil heightens the vegetable flavors.

Recipe Tip

Put a spicy-sweet spin on traditional hummus with our Lemon Basil Hummus recipe.

Crushed Hot Ret Pepper

Spicy

Origin

NORTHERN CHINA

Fun Fact

Ubiquitous in pizza restaurants in the U.S., crushed red pepper is typically a mixture of ancho, bell, cayenne and other red peppers.

Surprising Pairing

Pepper & Pineapple: Top thinly sliced fresh pineapple with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey. Let stand 1 hour before serving.

Recipe Tip

Shake up your homemade pizza night with this Pizza Sauce.