Cooking is an incredibly rewarding experience. Nothing is better than eating a tasty meal you made yourself. However, you need the proper ingredients to make this happen. Seasoning and spices give food that bold flavor you’re craving, but which spices are the most important? The sheer number of options is overwhelming, but you only need a few spices to start your collection. We put together a guide with the most important spices to have on hand, so keep reading to learn which options your kitchen absolutely needs.
Black Peppercorn
Salt and pepper are staples in nearly every kitchen. Black peppercorn is arguably the most important spices to have on hand. It’s used all over the world because of its versatility. It’s available ground or whole, so you can choose whichever you see fit. Buying whole black peppercorns ensure a fresh flavor because it hasn’t been ground down yet; however, the ground version is also packed with flavor. If there’s one thing every kitchen should have, it’s black peppercorn.
Cumin
Cumin is an ingredient you don’t want to live without. Once you try cooking with cumin, your dishes will never be the same. Cumin seed is used to flavor many different dishes across the world. It’s commonly used in Mexican food because it gives the meat a delicious flavor, and it’s also used in African, Indian, and Thai food. If you’re looking to level up in the cooking department, get yourself some cumin.
Garlic
Garlic is used all around the world because it’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re making potatoes or beef, garlic is the perfect option for added flavor. It goes well with any meal, which makes it essential in your kitchen. There’s plenty of options, including minced, granulated, or powder. Regardless of what your diet looks like, you always need garlic on hand.
Cinnamon
Although cinnamon is often found in desserts due to its sweet flavor, it tastes delicious in other dishes as well. For example, it’s a great option for flavoring pork. Another way to use cinnamon is by adding it to your morning cup of coffee. This is an essential spice to have on hand because it complements many other spices. It’s also a great option for sweetening desserts or beverages as an alternative to sugar.
Oregano
If you’re looking to add some flavor to sauce or pizza, oregano is your best bet. It’s interesting—oregano is actually more pungent dried than it is fresh. It’s great to have on hand because it adds flavor to any dish. Oregano is popular in Italian cuisine, but it can amplify the flavor of any dish. Consider adding it to salads or marinades for added flavor.
iSpice offers premium seasonings and spices that elevate any dish. There’s also an option to build your own spice set. If you’re looking to add a few new spices to your kitchen, be sure to check out our high-quality seasonings and spices.