10 Spices You Haven't Tried But Should

AUTHOR: Louisa Eunice

There are many spices you use in your daily cooking. You can Google them up and buy them anywhere. But there are a distinct few spices you may not even know exist. If you are looking to spice up your cooking (pun intended) with spices and flavors from all over the world, watch out for these:

1. Kokum

In its souring properties, Kokum mimics tamarind. It's the perfect addition to potatoes, lentils and okra. Use this spice sparingly, as it's intense. It's also very salty; you don't want it to overpower your dish. Be extra careful while using it to attain the perfect balance of flavors.

2. Amchur

"I love mangos, and Amchur adds much-needed mango-y flavor to your food," said a chef. If you're a tart lover, this spice blend is for you. It's sun-dried to sour your soups, stews, veggies, and curries. You'll appreciate its delicious tanginess.

3. Black Cardamom

"Black cardamom is a natural for a barbecue fan because it has a smoky flavor," suggested a food lover. I haven't used this spice too often, but with the few times I've used it, Black Cardamom was like that cool neighbor that invites you over, allows you to go through his movie collections, and is always there even when you don't need him. The spice is flavorful, rich, aromatic, delicate, fresh, and hard to replicate.

4. Kashmiri Red Chili's

A home cook said, "Kashmiri chili's are amazing; I love them. They are the reason I found an Indian market close to me." Kashmiri will give your food a dark red color while adding flavor and allowing the food to be less overbearing. It's a unique spice that's ever in demand.

5. Saffron

They say Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world as it comes from the unique Crocus Sativus. It also must be handpicked. Adding it to your spice collection will give food an exquisite flavor and excellent color. Don't worry about the price tag; you'll need less than a pinch of the spice for that unique flavor.

6. Grains Of Paradise

African and Caribbean flavors are the most diverse. Grains Of Paradise is a unique spice that will introduce both flavors to your food. Also known as peppery nuggets, they were once a common pepper substitute when pepper was too expensive.

7. Fennel Pollen

This spice is enough in just a pinch. Fennel pollen can make even an average dish top-notch. Used since the 1990s, it gained the popular name "culinary fairy dust." It is rich and savory; chefs always want to add it to their best creations.

8. Nigella Seed

"Nigella comes from the fennel flower. While it has a bitter flavor, it also has a hint of sweetness," said another cook. Nigella looks precisely like black sesame seeds, so it's often confused for the latter, but these two offer two different flavor profiles, making it easy to tell one from another in your food.

9. Za'atar

Common in Arabi dishes, Za'tar is a distinct herb and spice mixture. It's delicious on your eggs, shakshuka, and chicken. You can even serve it over rice! When you mix olive oil and za'atar, sprinkle it over roasted potatoes or grill for a perfect finish.

10. Epazote

Epazote is a common spice in any Mexican household. It has a taste that you can't get from any other herb. It's the perfect pairing for quesadillas, tamales, pinto beans, black beans, and many Mexican cuisines. If you're inspired to try food from the country, the herb is a must-have to your dishes. One tablespoon of it is enough to create magic.

11. Star Anise

"I started using this spice when I saw how Gordon Ramsey uses it on Masterchef. I must say it makes my food so much better," admitted a last user. Add star anise to whole soups, broths, and stews. It has a peppery flavor that you'll surely enjoy. Remember to remove it from your dish right before serving.

Source: Reddit.

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