Basil

Basil is a native species to India and tropical regions of Asia. It is best known as a culinary herb and can be found in many Italian cuisines. There are several species of Basil and the most common is known as sweet Basil. Sweet Basil is commonly used in Italian cuisines. Basil is a fresh herb that is used in most dishes. To retain Basils flavour wait until the last possible moment to add it to your dish as its flavour is quickly destroyed in the cooking process. The leaves often taste like anise and have a strong, sweet smell. Basil is used in many common cuisines still used today, a great example of this is pesto, a common Italian sauce.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is grown as a flowering vine cultivated for its fruit. Then the fruit is dried to be used as a spice. It is native to India and tropical areas. Once dried the fruit is called peppercorn. That is commonly ground up to be used as a spice in many cuisines around the world. Pepper is used along side salt to add extra flavour to many dishes. Pepper gives an extra spicy kick to cuisines. Its popularity around the world allows pepper to be found in almost every kitchen around the world today.

Celery Seed

Celery Seed is made from the small celery seeds. The seeds are ground up to create a small powder. Once added with salt it creates a distinct food seasoning. Many people know this seasoning as it is used in the common Caesar cocktail. Celery Salt is also used in several types of stews and salads for extra flavour.

Chili Powder

Chili powder is from several varieties of ground chili peppers. Chili peppers originated in the
Americas but later got distributed throughout the world for many different uses. It is used as a spice to add flavour to many different cuisines. There are many different types of chili powders with several different combinations of spices. The spices include cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt and ground peppers. The combinations result in several different flavours and results in different spice levels. The distinct taste of chili powder allows it to be found in many different cuisines around the world.

Chives

Chives are native to Europe, Asia and North America. It is basically a small onion. Its distinct taste allows it to be found in many households around the world. Its culinary use, is to be shredded and used as a seasoning for soups, salads, potatoes and many other dishes. Its popular flavour allows most basic dishes to become favourable in an instant.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is from the inner side of the bark of a special species of tree called cinnamomum. These trees are native to southeast Asia and it origin was a mystery for some time. Cinnamon is a popular spice added to many cuisines throughout the world. Many people understand the taste of cinnamon as it is found commonly in cinnamon buns. Other cultures around the world use cinnamon differently depending on their culture.

Coriander

Coriander is an annual herb, native to Europe, North Africa and Southwestern Asia. It is a common soft plant that grows about a foot and a half tall. The leaves vary in shape and are shaped as a feather. The plants fruit is known as coriander. It is in a shape of small spheres and has a distinct taste. They can be roasted and eaten as a snack. When crushed the seeds have a lemony citrus flavour. Coriander is used as a medicine in some cultures. Coriander is also a key ingredient used when pickling vegetables.