Spices of the World (CSV)
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| H | Spice | Scientific Name | Origin | Primary Producing Countries | Plant Part Used | Scoville Heat Units (SHU) | Flavour Profile | Primary Culinary Uses | Medicinal / Other Uses | |||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Black Pepper | Piper nigrum | South India (Kerala) | India / Vietnam / Indonesia / Brazil | Dried berry (peppercorn) | Trace | Pungent / Sharp / Earthy | Universal seasoning / Marinades / Sauces | Digestive aid / Anti-inflammatory | |||||||||||||||||
| 3 | White Pepper | Piper nigrum | South India / Indonesia | Vietnam / Indonesia / Brazil | Ripe berry (husk removed) | Trace | Milder / Musty / Less pungent | White sauces / Chinese cuisine / Soups | Similar to black pepper; less aromatic | |||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Green Pepper | Piper nigrum | South India | India / Madagascar / Brazil | Unripe fresh/pickled berry | Trace | Fresh / Mild / Grassy | Creamy French sauces / Steak / Thai curries | Antioxidant | |||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Long Pepper | Piper longum | India | India / Indonesia / Southeast Asia | Dried catkin spike | Trace | Hotter than black pepper / Sweeter / Complex | Indian Ayurvedic cooking / Medieval spice trade | Ayurvedic tonic / Respiratory support | |||||||||||||||||
| 6 | Chilli (Cayenne) | Capsicum annuum | Americas (Mexico) | India / China / Thailand / Mexico | Dried fruit | 30000–50000 | Hot / Bright / Slightly fruity | Curries / Salsas / Hot sauces / Rubs | Pain relief (capsaicin) / Metabolism boost | |||||||||||||||||
| 7 | Chilli (Bird's Eye) | Capsicum frutescens | Americas | Thailand / India / Southeast Asia | Fresh / Dried fruit | 50000–100000 | Very hot / Sharp | Thai / Vietnamese / Caribbean cooking | High capsaicin content | |||||||||||||||||
| 8 | Kashmiri Chilli | Capsicum annuum | India (Kashmir) | India (Kashmir / Rajasthan) | Dried fruit | 1000–2000 | Mild / Fruity / Deep red colour | Tandoori / Rogan Josh / Colour agent | GI Tagged; natural colourant | |||||||||||||||||
| 9 | Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) | Capsicum chinense x frutescens | India (Assam / Nagaland) | India (Northeast) | Dried fruit | 855000–1041427 | Extremely hot / Fruity / Slow burn | North-east Indian chutney / Extreme cuisine | GI Tagged; used in military pepper spray | |||||||||||||||||
| 10 | Cumin | Cuminum cyminum | Middle East / South Asia | India / Iran / Turkey / China | Dried seed | 0 (non-chilli) | Warm / Earthy / Nutty / Slightly bitter | Indian curries / Mexican food / Bread / Soups | Digestive / Antioxidant / Iron-rich | |||||||||||||||||
| 11 | Coriander (Seed) | Coriandrum sativum | Mediterranean / Middle East | India / Russia / Morocco / Canada | Dried seed | 0 | Citrusy / Warm / Slightly sweet | Curries / Pickling / Breads / Sausages | Digestive / Anti-inflammatory | |||||||||||||||||
| 12 | Turmeric | Curcuma longa | South Asia (India) | India / Bangladesh / China / Myanmar | Dried rhizome | 0 | Earthy / Bitter / Peppery / Musky | Curries / Rice / Dairy / Beverages / Natural colourant | Anti-inflammatory (curcumin) / Immune support | |||||||||||||||||
| 13 | Cardamom (Green) | Elettaria cardamomum | South India (Western Ghats) | India (Kerala) / Guatemala / Sri Lanka | Dried seed pods | 0 | Sweet / Floral / Eucalyptus / Spicy | Tea / Desserts / Biryani / Coffee / Chai | Digestive / Breath freshener; called "Queen of Spices" | |||||||||||||||||
| 14 | Black Cardamom | Amomum subulatum | Eastern Himalayas | India / Nepal / Bhutan | Dried large pods (smoked) | 0 | Smoky / Camphor / Menthol | Biryani / Meat dishes / Garam Masala | Digestive / Respiratory | |||||||||||||||||
| 15 | Cinnamon (Ceylon) | Cinnamomum verum | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka / Mexico / Madagascar | Inner bark (rolled into quills) | 0 | Sweet / Delicate / Floral / Vanilla-like | Desserts / Oatmeal / Tea / Curries / Baking | Blood sugar regulation / Anti-inflammatory | |||||||||||||||||
| 16 | Cassia (Chinese Cinnamon) | Cinnamomum cassia | South China | China / Vietnam / Indonesia | Thick bark | 0 | Stronger / Spicier / Slightly bitter | Same as cinnamon; more pungent; often sold as "cinnamon" | Similar to cinnamon | |||||||||||||||||
| 17 | Cloves | Syzygium aromaticum | Indonesia (Maluku Islands) | Indonesia / Tanzania / Madagascar / Sri Lanka | Dried flower bud | 0 | Intensely warm / Sweet / Pungent | Garam masala / Baking / Pickles / Mulled wine | Eugenol: dental pain relief / Anti-microbial | |||||||||||||||||
| 18 | Nutmeg | Myristica fragrans | Indonesia (Banda Islands) | Indonesia / Grenada / Sri Lanka | Seed kernel | 0 | Warm / Sweet / Slightly woody / Musky | Béchamel / Custards / Garam Masala / Eggnog | Sedative in large doses; anti-nausea | |||||||||||||||||
| 19 | Mace | Myristica fragrans | Indonesia | Indonesia / Grenada | Dried seed covering (aril) | 0 | Similar to nutmeg but lighter / More floral | Lighter spiced sauces / Seafood / Cakes | Anti-inflammatory; similar to nutmeg | |||||||||||||||||
| 20 | Star Anise | Illicium verum | China (Guangxi) | China / Vietnam | Dried star-shaped fruit | 0 | Intensely anise / Licorice / Sweet | Chinese 5-spice / Vietnamese Pho / Pastis | Shikimic acid source (Tamiflu precursor) | |||||||||||||||||
| 21 | Fennel Seeds | Foeniculum vulgare | Mediterranean | India / Egypt / China / Turkey | Dried seeds | 0 | Sweet / Anise / Herbal / Cool | Italian sausages / Indian mouth freshener / Bread / Fish | Digestive / Estrogenic properties | |||||||||||||||||
| 22 | Fenugreek | Trigonella foenum-graecum | Middle East / South Asia | India / Ethiopia / Egypt | Dried seeds / Leaves | Slight bitter | Bitter / Mapley / Slightly pungent | Curries / Spice mixes / Breads / Indian pickles | Blood sugar regulation / Lactation support | |||||||||||||||||
| 23 | Mustard Seeds (Yellow) | Sinapis alba | Mediterranean / Europe | Canada / USA / Nepal | Dried seeds | 0 | Mild / Slightly nutty | Pickles / European mustard / Tempering | Emulsifier in condiment mustard | |||||||||||||||||
| 24 | Mustard Seeds (Black) | Brassica nigra | Mediterranean / South Asia | India / Ukraine / Canada | Dried seeds | 0 | Pungent / Hot when cracked | Indian tadka / South Indian cooking / Curries | Anti-inflammatory / Digestive | |||||||||||||||||
| 25 | Asafoetida (Hing) | Ferula asafoetida | Central Asia (Iran / Afghanistan) | Iran / Afghanistan (processed in India) | Dried resin gum | 0 | Intensely pungent / Sulphurous raw; mellow when cooked | Indian dal / Vegetarian cooking; replaces onion/garlic | Digestive / Anti-flatulent; GI Tagged (Kashmiri Hing) | |||||||||||||||||
| 26 | Saffron | Crocus sativus | Iran / Kashmir | Iran / India (Kashmir) / Spain | Dried stigmas of flower | 0 | Floral / Honey / Metallic / Complex | Biryani / Paella / Risotto / Desserts / Beverages | Antidepressant / Antioxidant; world's most expensive spice by weight | |||||||||||||||||
| 27 | Bay Leaf (Indian) | Cinnamomum tamala | Eastern Himalayas | India / Nepal | Dried leaves | 0 | Cinnamon-like / Clove / Mild | Biryanis / Curries / Garam Masala | Anti-diabetic properties | |||||||||||||||||
| 28 | Bay Leaf (Mediterranean) | Laurus nobilis | Mediterranean | Turkey / Greece / Albania | Dried leaves | 0 | Herbaceous / Floral / Eucalyptus | Soups / Stocks / Stews / Pasta sauces | Anti-fungal / Digestive | |||||||||||||||||
| 29 | Ginger | Zingiber officinale | South Asia | India / China / Nigeria / Indonesia | Fresh / Dried rhizome | Trace | Spicy / Warm / Pungent / Citrusy | Curries / Tea / Stir-fries / Baking / Beverages | Anti-nausea / Anti-inflammatory / Digestive | |||||||||||||||||
| 30 | Galangal | Alpinia galanga | Southeast Asia | Thailand / Indonesia / Malaysia | Fresh / Dried rhizome | Trace | Citrusy / Piney / Sharper than ginger | Thai curries / Laksa / Tom Kha | Digestive / Anti-fungal | |||||||||||||||||
| 31 | Lemongrass | Cymbopogon citratus | Southeast Asia / South Asia | Thailand / India / Vietnam | Stalks (fresh / dried) | 0 | Lemony / Floral / Herbal | Thai / Vietnamese curries / Soups / Teas / Marinades | Anti-microbial / Anxiety relief | |||||||||||||||||
| 32 | Kaffir Lime Leaves | Citrus hystrix | Southeast Asia | Thailand / Indonesia / Malaysia | Leaves / Zest | 0 | Intensely citrusy / Floral | Thai curries / Coconut soups / Marinades | Dental care (traditional) | |||||||||||||||||
| 33 | Vanilla | Vanilla planifolia | Mexico | Madagascar / Indonesia / Mexico / Tahiti | Dried cured seed pods | 0 | Sweet / Creamy / Floral / Complex | Desserts / Baking / Ice cream / Custards / Fragrance | Anxiolytic (calming) / Antioxidant | |||||||||||||||||
| 34 | Tamarind | Tamarindus indica | East Africa (origin) / South Asia | India / Thailand / Mexico / West Africa | Dried fruit pulp | 0 | Intensely sour / Sweet / Fruity | Chutneys / Curries / Pad Thai / Worchestershire sauce / Drinks | Digestive / Laxative / Vitamin C source | |||||||||||||||||
| 35 | Sumac | Rhus coriaria | Middle East / Mediterranean | Iran / Turkey / Syria / Lebanon | Dried berries (ground) | 0 | Tangy / Lemony / Slightly fruity / Astringent | Fattoush / Za'atar spice blend / Grilled meats / Hummus | Antioxidant; replaces lemon in dry applications | |||||||||||||||||
| 36 | Za'atar | Origanum syriacum (herb) + blend | Middle East (Levant) | Lebanon / Syria / Palestine / Israel | Herb + dried sesame + sumac | 0 | Herby / Tangy / Nutty / Earthy | Flatbreads / Olive oil dip / Grilled meats / Salads | Anti-microbial; protected GI in some Levant countries | |||||||||||||||||
| 37 | Juniper Berries | Juniperus communis | Northern Hemisphere | Eastern Europe / USA / Canada | Dried berries | 0 | Piney / Citrusy / Slightly bitter | Gin flavouring / Wild game / Sauerkraut / Nordic cooking | Diuretic / Anti-microbial | |||||||||||||||||
| 38 | Caraway Seeds | Carum carvi | Europe / Western Asia | Netherlands / Germany / Finland / Egypt | Dried seeds | 0 | Anise / Earthy / Slightly peppery | Rye bread / Sauerkraut / Goulash / Cheese | Digestive / Anti-spasmodic | |||||||||||||||||
| 39 | Paprika (Sweet) | Capsicum annuum | Hungary / Spain | Hungary / Spain / USA / Turkey | Dried ground red pepper | 100–1000 | Sweet / Fruity / Mild / Rich red colour | Goulash / Chorizo / Devilled eggs / Rubs / Marinades | Antioxidant; rich in Vitamin C | |||||||||||||||||
| 40 | Paprika (Smoked) | Capsicum annuum | Spain (La Vera) | Spain | Dried smoked ground pepper | 100–1000 | Smoky / Sweet / Deep | Paella / Chorizo / Patatas bravas / BBQ | Same as sweet paprika; smoked = pimentón | |||||||||||||||||
| 41 | Allspice | Pimenta dioica | Caribbean / Central America | Jamaica / Guatemala / Honduras | Dried berries | 0 | Tastes like clove + cinnamon + nutmeg / Warm | Jamaican jerk / Mole / Pickling / Christmas baking | Eugenol content (like cloves); anti-microbial | |||||||||||||||||
| 42 | Szechuan Pepper | Zanthoxylum simulans | China (Sichuan) | China / Tibet / Japan | Dried fruit husks | Not SHU — causes numbness | Numbing / Citrusy / Tingly / Floral (mala) | Chinese 5-spice / Mapo tofu / Sichuan hotpot | Topical analgesic; creates unique neurological tingle | |||||||||||||||||
| 43 | Pink Pepper | Schinus molle | South America (Peru) | Réunion / Madagascar / Peru / France | Dried berries | Trace | Fruity / Sweet / Mild spice | Gourmet seasoning / Salads / Seafood / Chocolate | Anti-microbial; not a true pepper | |||||||||||||||||
| 44 | Ancho (Dried Poblano) | Capsicum annuum | Mexico | Mexico | Dried poblano chilli | 1000–2000 | Mild / Sweet / Fruity / Raisin-like | Mole / Mexican sauces / Enchiladas | Anti-oxidant; rich Vitamin C | |||||||||||||||||
| 45 | Chipotle | Capsicum annuum | Mexico | Mexico / USA | Smoked dried jalapeño | 2500–8000 | Smoky / Earthy / Moderately hot | Tex-Mex / Salsas / BBQ sauces / Adobo | Capsaicin benefits | |||||||||||||||||
| 46 | Amchur (Dried Mango Powder) | Mangifera indica | India | India (North India) | Dried unripe mango | 0 | Sour / Fruity / Tangy | Indian chaat / Curries / Marinades / Chutneys | Digestive / Vitamin C source | |||||||||||||||||
| 47 | Kokum | Garcinia indica | India (Konkan coast) | India (Maharashtra / Goa / Kerala) | Dried rind | 0 | Intensely sour / Slightly sweet / Fruity | Kokum curry / Solkadhi / Fish dishes / Kokum sherbet | Digestive / Cooling / Anti-inflammatory | |||||||||||||||||
| 48 | Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) | Nigella sativa | Middle East / South Asia | India / Egypt / Turkey | Dried seeds | 0 | Slightly bitter / Peppery / Onion-like | Naan / Pickles / Bengali Panch Phoron / Fatayer | Anti-bacterial / Immunity booster; called "black seed" | |||||||||||||||||
| 49 | Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | Trachyspermum ammi | India / Middle East | India / Iran / Egypt | Dried seeds | 0 | Strong thyme-like / Pungent / Slightly bitter | Indian breads (paratha / puri) / Dal / Digestive water | Strong digestive; anti-flatulent | |||||||||||||||||
| 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 51 |