Herb & Spice Essentials

There is nothing better than having a herb and spice draw/cupboard to make your kitchen feel homely and sophisticated. Don't forget it also helps you to be a better cook. Having various herbs and spices on hand allows you to experiment with, create and enjoy flavoursome meals every time.

Adding herbs and spices to your cooking doesn't just give awesome flavour, it also works towards a better and healthier you. There are many health benefits associated with herbs and spices that boost your immunity and cure ailments. It is important for you to know and understand what each one can do. Putting knowledge behind your ingredients is as essential as knowing an onion must be fried before adding another ingredient or an oven must be pre-heated before a cake can be cooked.

Below is a list of ESSENTIAL herbs and spices that should be a part of any cooks pantry, as well as OPTIONAL herbs and spices that are not used as much, but are amazing to cook with. There are over 100 different types of herbs and spices, the listed below are the most common and easiest to find from your local supermarket or grocer.

Essentials

Herbs

- Oregano
- Mint
- Parsley
- Basil
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Bay Leaves

Spices 

- Fennel seeds/ground
- Cumin seeds/ground
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Black peppercorns /ground
- Coriander seeds
- Cinnamon ground/quills
- Cayenne pepper
- Dried chilli flakes
- Nutmeg

Other

- Bi-card soda
- Baking powder
- Cream of tartar
- Vanilla bean pods/essence/extract/paste

Optionals

Herbs

- Mixed herbs

- Italian herbs

- Sage

- Marjorum 

Spices

- Star anise

- Garam masala

- Cardamon pods/ground

- Allspice whole/ground

- Yellow/black mustard seeds

- Cloves ground/whole

- Saffron

- Caraway seeds

- Juniper berries

- Fenugreek seeds

- Curry powder

- Aniseed whole

- Mace

- Ginger ground

- Garlic ground

- Onion ground

Other

- Sesame seeds

- Citric acid