The most popular spices from around the world

The most important facts summarized for you:

• Depending on the culinary region, different spices are used to achieve different flavors
• Intense spices are used in Asia
• In the Middle East, spices are often responsible for fragrant, spicy and slightly sweet flavors
• In Europe, the preference for spices varies greatly by region
• In Africa, the focus is on pungency and spicy strength
• In South America, spices provide spicy and smoky-earthy flavors

Buying spices

HERR BAL PURE Grie Sauce herb mix

€5,10 (€728,57 per kg)

Green sauce-style herbal composition in a jar.

• Style: Herbal mixture
• Flavor: Classic green sauce Herbs

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100pct. Wild organic oregano

€6,50 (€162,50 per kg)

This oregano is very aromatic and its fragrance intensifies even more when you rub the small flowers with your fingers. It has been gently picked,...

• Style: Oregano
• Flavor: Intensely spicy, Mediterranean herbal

Select a Variation

Tartufata - truffle pesto with mushrooms

€5,90 (€118,00 per kg)

We make our aromatic tartufata according to a classic recipe from the Molise region. It goes perfectly with pasta, steak, grilled vegetables or pizza as...

• Style: Pesto
• Flavor: delicately spicy, earthy, truffle, mushrooms

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HERR BAL Grie Soß herb salt

€4,90 (€89,09 per kg)

Unique green sauce style herbal salt composition in a pretty beaker with wooden spoon.

• Style: Herbal salt
• Flavor: Salt, herbs

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Paté di Porcini - Porcini mushroom pesto with truffle

€6,90 (€138,00 per kg)

We only use Italian summer truffles and regional porcini mushrooms for our fine porcini mushroom pesto. The combination is an aromatic taste sensation on...

• Style: Pesto
• Flavor: earthy, porcini mushrooms, truffle

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100pct. Wild organic sage

€5,00 (€166,67 per kg)

This aromatic wild organic sage grows naturally wild in the herb gardens of Dr. Nikolaos Paterakis. Harvested by hand , the leaves of the plant are...

• Style: Sage
• Flavor: Intensely spicy, Mediterranean herbal

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100pct. Wild organic thyme

€6,50 (€162,50 per kg)

This aromatic, Greek organic thyme grows naturally in the wild in the herb gardens of Dr. Nikolaos Paterakis. Harvested by hand , the flowers and...

• Style: Thyme
• Flavor: Intensely spicy, Mediterranean herbal

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Crema al tartufo bianco - White truffle cream

€7,90 (€158,00 per kg)

For our fine white truffle cream, we combine the precious white truffle with caciocavallo - an aromatic pasta filata cheese from Molise. Enjoy this perfect...

• Style: Truffle cream
• Flavor: creamy, truffle, cheese

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Himalayan pepper organic

€11,00 (€647,06 per kg)

Experience unique flavors with notes of citrus, grapefruit, orange and mango, as well as a slightly numbing spiciness when enjoying Himalayan pepper. Wild...

• Style: Pepper
• Flavor: Fruity citrus notes, mango, slightly numbing spiciness

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Ceylon cinnamon powder organic

€7,00 (€250,00 per kg)

Slowly turn on the cinnamon bottle and a warm sweet scent flows directly into the nose! This Ceylon quality cinnamon powder comes directly from the island...

• Style: Cinnamon
• Flavor: soft, mild, spicy-sweet

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Olive leaf powder organic

€6,00 (€250,00 per kg)

Olive leaves are healthy and as a spice - at least in local areas - certainly still unknown. But that may change. Because both with the leaves and with...

• Style: Olive leaf
• Flavor: fresh, Mediterranean, herbaceous, intense bitters

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Wild rosemary organic refill

€4,00 (€200,00 per kg)

The dried wild rosemary unfolds wonderful scents during cooking, reminiscent of spruce and pine forest. Convince yourself of the pleasant seasoning power....

• Style: Rosemary
• Flavor: Intense spice, woody pine notes

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-17%

Apsogo Greek Organic Oregano

€9,99 (€49,95 per kg)

Greek oregano - The fine dried oregano comes from the Parnonas Mountains in Greece and is of truly top quality and first-class taste. Incomparable...

• Style: Oregano
• Flavor: intense aroma

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Andaliman pepper

€10,00 (€909,09 per kg)

Andaliman pepper is truly a special pepper. This is because the citrusy aromas coupled with a tingling spiciness open up new possibilities for seasoning. It...

• Style: Pepper
• Flavor: fresh, citrus notes, tingling sharpness

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-17%

Apsogo Greek organic thyme - dried

€9,99 (€49,95 per kg)

Organic thyme - The fine dried thyme comes from the Parnonas Mountains in Greece and is of truly top quality and first-class taste. Incomparable taste...

• Style: Thyme
• Flavor: Intensely aromatic

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Spices are essential components of global cuisine. They lend dishes unique aromas, colors and depths of flavor. Every culinary region has its own characteristic spices that make its dishes unmistakable. Here is an overview of the most popular spices in different regions of the world as well as tips on how to store them correctly.

Asia

Asian cuisine is known for its complex flavors and intense spice blends. Especially in countries such as India, China, Thailand and Japan, spices play a central role in the preparation of curries, soups and wok dishes.

1. turmeric

• Taste: Earthy, slightly bitter note with a hint of ginger
• Appearance: Yellow powder
• Use: Curries, rice dishes, soups

Buy turmeric here

When dosing, remember that fresh spices usually have a more intense flavor than dried ones

Star anise

• Taste: Intensely licorice-like, slightly sweet
• Appearance: Star-shaped, brown fruit
• Use: Chinese five-spice blend, tea, soups

Buy star anise here

3. cardamom

• Taste: Sweet and spicy with a light citrus note
• Appearance: Small, green or black capsules
• Use: Chai tea, curries, pastries

Buy green or black cardamom

Black cardamom adds depth & complexity to dishes

Middle East

Middle Eastern cuisine is characterized by its fragrant, often spicy and slightly sweet notes. Blends of spices and fermented ingredients play a major role in traditional dishes such as hummus, falafel and lamb dishes.

1. zataar

• Taste: Hearty, nutty with a hint of lemon
• Appearance: Greenish spice powder
• Use: Flatbread, salads, dips
• Spice mix - consists of: Thyme, sesame, sumac, salt

2. sumac

• Taste: Sour, fruity
• Appearance: Dark red powder
• Use: Marinades, meat dishes, salads

Sumac is mainly used for marinades and meat dishes in the Middle East.

3. cinnamon

• Taste: Sweetish, warm, slightly spicy
• Appearance: Brown bark, powder
• Uses: Desserts, coffee, lamb dishes

Buy cinnamon here

Europe

In Europe, spice preferences vary greatly depending on the region. While Mediterranean herbs dominate in southern countries such as Spain and Italy, northern countries rely more on warming spices and peppers.

1. paprika

• Taste: Mild to hot, depending on the variety
• Appearance: Red powder
• Use: Goulash, stews, marinades

Buy paprika powder here

Nutmeg brings warm and sweet, nutty flavors to dishes

2. nutmeg

• Taste: Warm, slightly sweet, nutty
• Appearance: Small, brown nut
• Use: Mashed potatoes, béchamel sauce, pastries

Buy whole or ground nutmeg

3. juniper berries

• Taste: Tart, woody, slightly bitter
• Appearance: Small, blue-black berries
• Use: Game dishes, sauerkraut, gin

Buy juniper berries here

Africa

African cuisine is characterized by intense heat, spicy blends and strong aromas. Spice blends such as ras el hanout are particularly widespread in North Africa, while chillies play a central role in West Africa.

1. berbere

• Taste: Hot, spicy, slightly smoky
• Appearance: Red spice mixture
• Use: Stews, meat dishes
• Spice mix - consists of: Chili, garlic, ginger, fennel, coriander, allspice

Exotic spices such as berbere are now used all over the world

2. ras el hanout

• Taste: Complex, spicy, slightly sweet
• Appearance: Yellowish-brown mixture
• Use: Tajine, rice dishes, meat
• Spice mix - consists of: Turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, pepper

Buy Ras el Hanout and other spice blends here

3. cloves

• Taste: Intense, warm, slightly bitter
• Appearance: Small, brown buds
• Use: Tea, meat dishes, pastries

Buy whole or ground cloves

Latin America

Latin American cuisine is known for its spicy, earthy and smoky flavors. Spices such as cumin and coriander are essential for dishes such as tacos, mole and ceviche.

1. coriander seeds

• Taste: Warm, slightly sweet with a citrus note
• Appearance: Small, round seeds
• Use: Salsas, stews, meat dishes

Buy coriander seeds here

2. cumin

• Taste: Earthy, slightly bitter note
• Appearance: Small, brown seeds
• Use: Tacos, chili, meat dishes

Buy cumin here

Cumin has a strong & spicy flavor

3. achiote (annatto)

• Taste: Slightly peppery, earthy
• Appearance: Red seeds
• Use: Rice dishes, marinades, meat dishes

Must-have spices for every kitchen

No matter which cuisine you prefer, some spices should be in every pantry:

• Salt and pepper (basic base for almost every dish)
• Paprika (versatile in European and Latin American dishes)
• Cumin (essential for Latin American and Asian cuisine)
• Cinnamon (ideal for sweet and savory dishes)
• Turmeric (for curries and healthy additives)

Differences between spices and herbs

Spices and herbs are often confused. The main difference lies in their origin:

• Spices come from the seeds, barks, roots or fruits of plants (e.g. pepper, nutmeg, cloves).
• Herbs are the leaves of plants (e.g. basil, oregano, thyme).

While herbs are made from leaves, spices are usually made from the bark, seeds or roots of plants.

Tips for storing spices correctly

• Light protection: Store spices in dark, airtight containers.
• Temperature control: Cool, dry places are ideal.
• Preserve freshness: Ground spices will keep for approx. 1 year, whole spices for up to 3 years.
• No moisture: Do not store above steaming pots, as moisture impairs quality.

With this information, every kitchen can be aromatically enhanced. Which spices are indispensable in your kitchen?