08/16/2021
Flavor Profile of Spices
Bitter
Bitter spices are believed to have an acquired taste.
Spices that are considered bitter are bay leaves, fenugreek seeds, horseradish, mace, cloves, cumin seeds, etc.
Earthy
These spices have an earthy flavor, which comes from geosmin.
Cumin and saffron are spices that have an earthy flavor.
Hot
Hot spices are those that add a strong flavor to the food and make it spicier.
Pepper, chilis, mustard seeds, garlic are all hot spices.
Sweet
These spices are slightly sweet in taste and can be used with sour and bitter flavors.
Allspice, caraway, fennel, cardamom, nutmeg, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, star anise seeds are all considered as sweet spices.