Discover the Secrets of the World's Finest Flavors

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

SPICE & HERB COMPENDIUM

Find your next favorite seasoning and learn how to use it like a pro!

"A different spice is the most interesting thing to me."

Nobu Matsuhisa

DIVE IN

FUNDAMENTALS

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.

Shop in spice bazaar

How to Buy Spices and Herbs

Learn expert strategies for choosing, sourcing, selecting, and buying quality spices and herbs. Get the best flavor and value every time you restock or explore new tastes.

Spice assortment on quartz: chiles, cardamom, fennel seed, corianders, long pepper, juniper berries, peppercorns, saffron

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.

Various spices in spoons

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.

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.

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.

Spice assortment on quartz: chiles, cardamom, fennel seed, corianders, long pepper, juniper berries, peppercorns, saffron

What Are Spices and Herbs?

Various spices in spoons

What Can Spices and Herbs Do?

Shop in spice bazaar

How to Buy Spices and Herbs

The Art of Cooking with Spice

SPICE INSIGHTS

What is Okaka? And How to Make Okaka Onigiri

Discover okaka, the simple yet flavorful Japanese seasoning, with step-by-step instructions to make delicious okaka rice balls!

READ MORE

The Most Expensive Spices in the World

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

READ MORE

How is Turmeric Produced?

Turmeric cultivation is a time-honored tradition, perfected over millennia to produce high-quality rhizomes. Discover the fascinating process behind it!

READ MORE

How is Saffron Produced?

Saffron is by far the world’s most expensive spice. Learn why its cultivation is so demanding and what makes it so invaluable to global cuisine.

READ MORE

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

Ignite your creativity with togarashi. Explore its fascinating origins and learn how to deploy its fiery zest in countless dishes.

READ MORE

How is Wasabi Produced?

Wasabi is one of the rarest and most difficult crops to cultivate. Learn the many challenges that farmers face when growing these precious rhizomes.

READ MORE

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.

Old world map

How Did Spices Go Global?

Since the dawn of civilization, spices have traveled far and wide, shaping cultures and cuisines. Follow their journey from their homelands 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!

EXPLORE MORE SPICE INSIGHTS