spices by region

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🌍 Spices by Region

🇮🇳 India

India is known for bold, complex spice blends.

  • Common spices:

    • Turmeric

    • Cumin (whole & ground)

    • Coriander

    • Mustard seeds

    • Cardamom (green & black)

    • Cloves

    • Cinnamon

    • Fenugreek

    • Asafoetida (hing)

    • Red chili powder

    • Garam masala (a blend)

➡️ Used in: Curries, dals, biryanis, masala chai

🇲🇽 Mexico

Mexican cuisine uses earthy, warm spices often paired with chiles.

  • Common spices:

    • Cumin

    • Oregano (Mexican variety)

    • Cinnamon (Ceylon)

    • Clove

    • Allspice

    • Ancho, chipotle, guajillo chilies

    • Coriander

➡️ Used in: Moles, tacos, enchiladas, adobo sauces

🇲🇦 North Africa / Morocco

Rich, aromatic spices often used in complex stews and blends like ras el hanout.

  • Common spices:

    • Cumin

    • Paprika

    • Turmeric

    • Ginger

    • Cinnamon

    • Cloves

    • Saffron

    • Harissa (spicy chili paste)

    • Ras el hanout (spice mix)

➡️ Used in: Tagines, couscous, spice rubs

🇹🇭 Thailand

Bold and aromatic, often combining spices with fresh herbs.

  • Common spices:

    • White pepper

    • Coriander seed

    • Turmeric

    • Galangal (like ginger)

    • Dried chili flakes

    • Cardamom

    • Cumin

➡️ Used in: Curries, soups, spice pastes

🇨🇳 China

Spices are balanced and often tied to medicinal uses.

  • Common spices:

    • Star anise

    • Sichuan peppercorns

    • Ginger

    • Clove

    • Cassia cinnamon

    • Fennel seeds

    • Chinese five-spice (blend)

➡️ Used in: Braises, marinades, stir-fries

🇮🇹 Italy / Mediterranean

Focus is more on herbs, but spices still play a role.

  • Common spices:

    • Black pepper

    • Red chili flakes

    • Nutmeg

    • Fennel seeds

➡️ Used in: Pasta sauces, sausages, roasted meats

🇫🇷 France

Uses herbs more than spices, but certain blends are key.

  • Common spices:

    • Nutmeg

    • Pepper

    • Mustard seed

    • Clove

    • Herbes de Provence (blend)

➡️ Used in: Cream sauces, charcuterie, stews

🇯🇵 Japan

Minimalist and subtle in spice usage.

  • Common spices:

    • Sansho pepper

    • Wasabi

    • Ginger

    • Shichimi togarashi (seven-spice blend)

➡️ Used in: Soups, noodles, grilled meats

🇹🇷 Middle East / Levant

Warm, rich spices are often used in blends like za’atar and baharat.

  • Common spices:

    • Sumac

    • Cumin

    • Coriander

    • Cinnamon

    • Cardamom

    • Nutmeg

    • Allspice

    • Turmeric

    • Za’atar (blend)

    • Baharat (blend)

➡️ Used in: Kebabs, rice dishes, stews, dips

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