Spice History and Culture

Saffron History

Region: Iran, Kashmir, and Spain

Flavor lineage: floral, honeyed, hay-like, warm

Madagascar Vanilla History

Region: Madagascar

Flavor lineage: sweet, creamy, woody, rich

Kampot Pepper History

Region: Kampot, Cambodia

Flavor lineage: bright, floral, menthol, warm pepper heat

Ceylon Cinnamon History

Region: Sri Lanka

Flavor lineage: sweet, delicate, citrusy, soft warmth

Green Cardamom History

Region: India and Guatemala

Flavor lineage: eucalyptus, citrus, sweet, floral

Black Cardamom History

Region: Himalayan foothills

Flavor lineage: smoky, resinous, camphor-like, deep

Long Pepper History

Region: India and Indonesia

Flavor lineage: peppery, sweet, woody, warm

Grains of Paradise History

Region: West Africa

Flavor lineage: citrusy, peppery, cardamom-like warmth

Sumac History

Region: Levant and Mediterranean

Flavor lineage: tart, fruity, tangy

Aleppo Pepper History

Region: Syria and Turkey

Flavor lineage: fruity heat, raisin-like, moderate spice

Smoked Paprika History

Region: Spain

Flavor lineage: smoky, sweet, earthy

Himalayan Wild Cumin History

Region: Kashmir and Himalayan valleys

Flavor lineage: nutty, earthy, delicate cumin sweetness

Fennel Pollen History

Region: Italy and California

Flavor lineage: sweet anise, floral, citrus

Persian Dried Lime History

Region: Iran and Gulf cuisines

Flavor lineage: citrus, fermented tang, slight bitterness

Aji Amarillo History

Region: Peru

Flavor lineage: fruity, sunny heat, tropical

Kashmiri Chili History

Region: Kashmir

Flavor lineage: mild heat, sweet red pepper, fruity

Tasmanian Pepperberry History

Region: Tasmania, Australia

Flavor lineage: dark berry, pepper heat, woody

Mace History

Region: Indonesia

Flavor lineage: warm, sweet, nutmeg-like, floral

Star Anise History

Region: China and Vietnam

Flavor lineage: sweet licorice, warm, aromatic

Cubeb Pepper History

Region: Indonesia

Flavor lineage: piney, peppery, menthol

Mahleb History

Region: Eastern Mediterranean

Flavor lineage: almond, cherry, floral

Nigella Seed History

Region: Middle East and South Asia

Flavor lineage: oniony, nutty, peppery

Annatto History

Region: Latin America

Flavor lineage: earthy, peppery, slightly sweet

Sichuan Pepper History

Region: China

Flavor lineage: citrusy, floral, numbing

Black Cumin History

Region: Central Asia

Flavor lineage: smoky, earthy, herbal