A table with many types of spices and herbs in a variety of vessels — bowls, cups, glasses, and trays.

Discover the secrets of the world's finest flavors...

SPICE & HERB COMPENDIUM

Find your next favorite seasoning and learn how to use it with confidence.

DIVE IN

THE BASICS

What Are Spices and Herbs?

Learn the similarities and differences between spices and herbs, their fascinating origins, and how they’ve become so essential to our cuisine and well-being.

What Can Spices and Herbs Do?

Uncover the surprising powers of spices and herbs! From enhancing flavor to beautifying dishes to boosting health, learn how to unlock their full potential.

The Art of Cooking with Spice

Seasoning is the soul of cooking. Learn how to unlock the full power of spices and herbs to layer and balance flavors with both technique and artistry.

7 Essential Tips for Using Spices and Herbs

As you embark on your intrepid journey into the wonderful world of natural seasonings, these fundamentals are extremely useful to know.

How to Buy Spices and Herbs

Learn time-tested strategies to get the best value and flavor every time you choose, source, select, and purchase quality spices and herbs.

7 Essential Tips for Using Spices and Herbs

As you embark on your intrepid journey into the wonderful world of natural seasonings, these fundamentals are extremely useful to know.

What Are Spices and Herbs?

What Can Spices and Herbs Do?

How to Buy Spices and Herbs

The Art of Cooking with Spice

INTERACTIVE MAP

SPICE INSIGHTS

What is Okaka? And How to Make Okaka Onigiri

Bonito flakes, soy sauce, and not much else. Okaka is a classic onigiri filling that takes about two minutes to make. Here’s how to get it right.

The Most Expensive Spices in the World

Discover the world’s most luxurious spices! Find out why saffron, vanilla, wasabi, and more are so treasured, and why they’re worth the price.

How is Turmeric Produced?

Turmeric cultivation is a time-honored tradition, perfected over millennia to produce high-quality rhizomes and the brilliant golden powder. Learn the fascinating process behind it.

How is Saffron Produced?

Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice by a wide margin. Learn why its cultivation and production is so demanding and what makes it so invaluable to global gastronomy.

What is Togarashi? A Useful Guide to Japan’s Spice Blend

Japan’s chili pepper, and the heart of shichimi togarashi. Learn how the blends differ, where they came from, and what to sprinkle them on.

How is Wasabi Produced?

Wasabi is one of the world’s rarest and most difficult crops to cultivate. These are the many challenges that farmers face when growing the green gems of Japan.

The Most Popular Spices in the World

These are the world’s most popular spices! Find out why chiles, garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and more are so universally desired.

How Did Spices Go Global?

Since the dawn of civilization, spices have traveled far and wide, shaping culture and cuisine, history and medicine. Follow their immense journey from local kitchens to the global stage.

Why Are Spices So Flavorful?

How did history, evolution, and chemistry create the tastes and aromas we crave? Understand the fascinating science behind the powerful flavors of spice!

MORE SPICE INSIGHTS