A Simple Chart Describing Herbs & Spices & How to Use Them
Let's take a look at some of the more commonly available herbs and spices. These listings are by no means exhaustive. Many of the spice plants are not native to the United States; in these cases, I provide the USDA hardiness zone information for reference alone.
The columns savory and sweet describe whether or not these herbs and spices goes well in savory or sweet dishes.
Herbs
Name | Flavor Profile | Assoc. Cuisine | Savory | Sweet | Goes Well With |
Basil | Fresh, peppery & sweet | Italian, Thai, Vietnamese | Yes | No | Tomato, Citrus, Fowl |
Bay Leaf | Pungent, sharp, floral | Indian, Mediterranean | Yes | No | Meats, Fish, Soups, Stews |
Chives | Light, oniony | French, Swedish | Yes | No | Eggs, Cheese, Fish, Veggies |
Cilantro | Sharp, lemony | Mexican, Middle Eastern | Yes | No | Fowl, Citrus, Curries, Avocado |
Dill | Fresh, think carroway | Eastern European, Russian | Yes | No | Cucumbers, Beets, Fish |
Marjoram | Aromatic, bitter, citrusy | Middle Eastern, French | Yes | No | Fish, Lamb, Poultry, Veggies |
Mint | Bright, cooling, aromatic | Middle Eastern, Indian, American | Yes | No | Desserts, Lamb, Fish, Fruit |
Oregano | Pungent, aromatic, earthy | Mediterranean, Italian, Latin | Yes | No | Tomatoes, Meats, Eggplant |
Parsley | Fresh, green, bright | Middle Eastern, American, European | Yes | No | Soups, Stews, Beef, Chicken, Fish |
Sage | Pungent, peppery, minty | Italian, Middle Eastern, British | Yes | No | Pork, Veal, Poultry, Sausage |
Thyme | Earthy, subtle, lemony | Lebanese | Yes | Yes | Mushrooms |
Spices
Name | Flavor Profile | Assoc. Cuisines | Savory | Sweet | Goes Well With |
Allspice | Warm, sweet, clove, nutmeg | British, American | Yes | Yes | Jerk rubs, marinades, sausage |
Cardamom | Sweet, aromatic, cool, resinous | Scandinavian, Asian, African | Yes | Yes | Pastries, breads, curry, pickling |
Cinnamon | Warm, sweet, aromatic, spicy | Mexican, Middle Eastern, European | Yes | Yes | Lamb, pork, fruit,chutneys, baked goods |
Coriander | Warm, refreshing, sweet, citrusy | Thai, South American, South Asian | Yes | Yes | Curry, pork, pickling, sausage |
Cumin | Warm, earthy, pungent | Mexican, Mediterranean, Indian | Yes | No | Soups, stews, beans, curry, vegetables |
Ginger | Hot, aromatic, peppery-sweet | Asian, Indian, European, Caribbean | Yes | Yes | Curry, soups, stew, chicken, baked goods |
Nutmeg | Sweet, aromatic, warm, spicy | Malaysian, Caribbean, Indian, Greek | Yes | Yes | Vegetables, cream sauces, baked goods |
Paprika | Hot or sweet, smokey | Turkish, Spanish, American, Latin | Yes | No | Soups, stews, vegetables |
Pepper | Pungent, warm | Almost Universal | Yes | Yes | Meats, vegetables, baked goods, stews |
Salt | Salty | Universal | Yes | Yes | Everything |
Turmeric | Warm, pungent, slightly bitter | Southeast Asia, Middle Eastern | Yes | No | Curry, pickles, stews, vegetables, coloring |
Barbbara Quinn
Very nice sight for LEARNING how to use familar spices.