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Spices are that ingredient that can completely change a dish and enhance its flavor to take it to another level. But in addition, most spices have properties that are very beneficial to our health: antioxidants, antimicrobial, provide energy and much more. Therefore, we have compiled some of the spices that can not miss in your pantry, as recommended by Shanghai Station, Chinese street food restaurant, which has three locations in Madrid and whose recipes use a multitude of spices to offer dishes full of flavors and textures with the best of ancient Chinese recipes with an avant-garde touch. Take note!
List of essential spices
Sumac
It is one of the latest spices to come into fashion. Coming from the Middle East, it is usually found as a dressing in salads, rice dishes, and fish and meat dishes of Arab origin. Its color has a strong red tone quite striking, besides having a very acid taste. It provides vitamins A and C and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Ginger
It is one of the most popular spices in recent years. It has a spicy flavor that can be used to season meats, fish, soups, salads and curries. It also has a lot of medicinal properties to treat nausea, migraines, bloating, intestinal or throat problems. Of course, you have to control the amount, because due to its spicy flavor, it can be unpleasant.
Saffron
Considered one of the most expensive foods in the world. In fact, it is known as the ‘red gold’. Used in small quantities, it is ideal for stews and rice dishes. In terms of beneficial properties, it acts as a protector from the sun’s rays and also helps to control appetite cravings, thanks to its satiating properties.
Laurel
A jar of dried bay leaves is a basic in any pantry. Ideal for seasoning sauces, stews, roasts, rice dishes and also with game recipes. It also has a calming effect, especially when burned, and can act as a natural remedy for colds and flu, as it is able to clear the airways.
Rosemary
This aromatic herb helps to enhance a lot of recipes. From paella or rosemary chicken, to other meats such as lamb, rabbit, kid, roast pork and fish. Besides giving a special flavor and aroma, rosemary is a spice that favors the recovery of respiratory and digestive diseases, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Black pepper
It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and choline, as well as minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Another of the properties of black pepper beneficial to health is its calorie burning.
Cilantro
One of the herbs and spices that you either love or hate, mainly due to its intense aroma and flavor. Among its properties, it acts against anemia, salmonella, diabetes and even detoxifies the blood. It is used in a lot of gastronomies such as Mexican cuisine. It is added in many recipes of soups and beef or chicken broths, in addition to the typical tacos.
Fennel
It is another spice that has become a trend in recent times, for its healthy properties. It is a low-calorie food, besides being rich in fiber, so it is ideal for combating constipation. It can be used in a lot of recipes: salads, infusions, juices or in any grilled dish.
Nutmeg
Another of the spices that can provide more flavor and personality to your dishes. It is perfect for seasoning recipes with potatoes, soups, stews, minced meat dishes or roast pork. Among its properties, it is rich in vitamins A, B and C, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron and potassium. It is also recommended to combat liver pain or insomnia, among other problems.
Oregano
Undoubtedly, it is another of the most used spices in gastronomies all over the world. Whether in tomato sauces, recipes with vegetables, meats, pizzas, pastas…, oregano gives freshness to a lot of dishes. Of course, it should be used in moderation because its strong aroma can eat away the flavor of the other ingredients. Among its properties, it helps to eliminate gas, especially if you take it as an infusion.
Aniseed
This food is mainly used to enhance the flavor of desserts, breads or in infusions. Besides being diuretic, expectorant, analgesic, antimicrobial and relieves respiratory discomfort, from coughs to flu, it is also a good antioxidant and rich in calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium.
Turmeric
It is known as “Indian saffron”. Turmeric can be taken fresh, dried or ground, and is one of the star ingredients in curries. It is advisable to store it in a dark place because, when exposed to light, it can quickly lose its aroma and its color fades. Among its many benefits, it prevents acidity and soothes heartburn. You can use it in a lot of dishes: from stews or rice dishes to smoothies, infusions or with vegetables.
Cumin
This spice is closely associated with Indian cuisine. It has a bitter taste and a strong, sweet smell. It helps the respiratory system, so it is recommended for asthmatic people. In addition, it can also be taken in infusions and helps digestion.
Dill
Dill is usually used with its fresh leaves. It is ideal for dressing salads or sauces, as well as fish or potatoes. It is a diuretic food and facilitates digestion, in addition to combating halitosis thanks to its aromatic properties, among other benefits.
Paprika
It is a spice widely used in cuisines such as Hungarian, for savory recipes and sauces. It is also known as paprika, and has antioxidant properties, helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, strengthens the immune system, is high in fiber and promotes better rest, among other benefits.
Garlic
Ground garlic is another of the most widely used spices worldwide, ideal for enhancing savory dishes or sauces. It contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals, helps reduce cholesterol levels, and adapts well to almost any recipe.
Cardamom
It has a sweet and spicy flavor that gives a special touch to rice recipes, desserts or drinks. It is widely used in gastronomies such as Indian. Among its benefits, it has bacteriostatic, antiseptic and antifungal properties, besides providing a lot of vitamins. Its use is widespread in a lot of recipes: from dishes with meat, fish or vegetables, to pastries, even in gin and tonics.
Cinnamon
This ingredient has an aphrodisiac effect, in addition to possessing a host of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It is widely used in desserts and drinks, in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine, and generally in recipes all over the world.
Chile
It is a spice widely used in spicy flavored cuisines such as Thai, Vietnamese, Indian or Mexican. For example, in dishes such as curry.
