Spices have the power to completely transform your dishes, whether adding a dash of cinnamon to a warming apple crumble or cumin for an earthy flavour in your curries.
Whether you’re new to the world of cooking or you want to experiment with different flavours, these are six spices that complement any meal and will do wonders for your cooking.
Turmeric
Turmeric adds a warm glowing colour to any dish, but beyond being a feast for the eyes, it’s also good for you. It’s a common ingredient in Asian cuisine and it’s been used for centuries in food and for its medicinal properties, helping to aid digestion. In fact, it’s so good for you that you can add turmeric tablets to your routine to get the benefits daily.
Turmeric is particularly ideal for spicing up your meals, but you can also add it to coconut milk for a soothing beverage – add a dash of black pepper when using this spice to increase the bioavailability of the turmeric.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a warming, sweet spice that you can use to sweeten your food or drinks without adding sugar. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects, and it’s believed to be good for reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. You can add cinnamon to sweet meals and desserts, such as stewed apples or protein bites, or even to stews to add warmth and a sweet note.
Ginger
Ginger has a spicy flavour that can help fight colds and inflammation. You can use ginger dried to add flavour to drinks or baked goods, or you can use the root fresh for added heat and spice to stir-fries or curries. For a fresh hit, why not add a spoon of ginger paste to a smoothie in the morning?
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne is a spicy ground red pepper that contains capsaicin, the phytochemical that makes chillies spicy but also healthful. Researchers believe that this chemical could be beneficial in lowering inflammation and even helping to reduce cancer. The spicy flavour can also help to reduce sweet cravings. Cayenne can be added to a range of savoury dishes, from stir-fries and Mexican dishes to roasted nuts for a spiced coating that’s also good for you.
Black pepper
Black pepper is widely used the world over, and it can be used in so many ways beyond simply seasoning your food. Black pepper has a heat to it that adds a savoury note to any meal, but it also helps to aid digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. From