Spice Up Your Meals With These 17 Special Herbs & Spices!
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Looking for a way to spice up your everyday meals? Knowing the right herbs and spices to use can really make a huge difference and create amazing new flavors for your favorite dishes!
For instance, any soup, marinade and salad dressing will instantly taste more interesting when you add some paprika to them. Chicken, shellfish, lamb and tofu dishes also go well with this particular spice, so considering using it when you’re cooking these proteins.
If you love experimenting with sauces and curries, you may want to try coriander. It’s an earthy and a peppery herb that deliciously complements beef, chicken, fish, pork and tofu. Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, potatoes and tomatoes are a great match for coriander, and using this herb along with some chili powder, cinnamon or cumin will surely result to a more flavorful dish.
For more tips on cooking with herbs and spices, go ahead and refer to this awesome seasoning guide from Cooksmart below. Don’t forget to share this infographic by clicking the social buttons on this page!
Image Source: cooksmarts.com
Related Herb Gardening Resources
Chart & Reference Guides
- The Best Cheat Sheet to Herb Gardening
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- Herb Cooking Guide
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Growing Guides
- 7 Steps to Growing Herbs from Seeds
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Indoor Herb Gardening
- The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Herb Gardening
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Tips & Best Practices
- 7 Good Reasons to Grow Your Own Herbs
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- Want to Know the Quickest & Easiest Way to Dry Herbs?
Health & Culinary
- Herbs and Their Amazing Health Benefits
- Spice Up Your Meals With These 17 Special Herbs & Spices!
- Wanna Have a Healthier Garden? Start Growing Herbs Today!
DIY Projects
- Easy Steps to Making a DIY Hanging Herb Garden
- Vertical Herb Garden: How to Build a Vertical Herb Planter Box
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between herbs and spices? Herbs come from the leafy parts of plants (basil, parsley, cilantro) and are often used fresh or dried. Spices come from other plant parts like seeds (cumin), bark (cinnamon), roots (ginger), or flower buds (cloves). Both add flavor, but they come from different plant parts.
Can I grow all 17 of these herbs and spices at home? You can grow most of the herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, parsley, mint, dill) easily at home. Some spices like ginger and turmeric can be grown in containers. However, tropical spices like cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla require specific climates and are challenging for most home gardeners.
How should I store herbs and spices to keep them fresh? Store dried herbs and spices in airtight containers in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight. Whole spices last longer than ground (2-3 years vs 1-2 years). Fresh herbs should be refrigerated or kept in water. Label containers with purchase dates to track freshness.
Do fresh herbs and spices have more health benefits than dried? Fresh herbs often contain higher levels of certain vitamins and volatile compounds. However, dried herbs and spices are more concentrated and still retain significant antioxidants and health benefits. Both forms are beneficial—use fresh when possible, but dried versions are still valuable.
Which herbs and spices have the strongest flavors? The most potent include rosemary, sage, oregano, cayenne pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste. Delicate herbs like parsley, chives, and cilantro have milder flavors and can be used more generously.
