All around the world, countries and regions have signature food dishes that set them apart. And what’s behind the unique flavors of these regional foods? Authentic spice and herb blends!
The flavors that a country (or region) is known for often come from the local herbs and spices in that region. This is because locally grown ingredients are often the most readily accessible, inexpensive, and naturally available throughout history. Over time, blends made from locally sourced herbs and spices have come to represent the defining flavors of a country or region’s traditional cuisine.
From selecting the right ingredients to striking a precise flavor balance, creating any international spice blend is equal parts art and science. Thankfully, we have an extended library of blends from all around the globe, so you can leave the hard work to us.
Today, we’re highlighting countries from around the world and the spice blends that flavor them. From China to Chile, transport your customers to faraway places with these authentic world spice blends.
Africa & The Middle East
Spices that flavor African and Middle Eastern foods are often warm and earthy. Spice blends from Africa and the Middle East often include coriander seed, cumin, cloves, cardamom, ginger, fenugreek, paprika, sumac, thyme, and cinnamon.
Popular African and Middle Eastern blends include:
- Za’atar – An earthy and nutty spice blend with a bright, astringent zest.
- Baharat – A warming spice blend that adds complexity and depth to veggie, tofu, and meat dishes.
- Ras el Hanout – An all-purpose spice blend that is uniquely vibrant, earthy, and warming.
Asia
Asian cuisine is flavored by pungent spices with sweet, savory, bitter, and sour flavors. Blends from Asia often include herbs and spices such as chiles, cinnamon, basil, cilantro, coriander, sesame seeds, cloves, cumin, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, spearmint, star anise, and turmeric.
Popular Asian blends include:
- Chinese Five Spice – A both warm and cool pungent spice blend that expertly balances sweet, savory, bitter, and sour.
- Sriracha Seasoning – A tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy versatile condiment.
India
Indian food is known to be flavorful, rich, and full of heat. It’s commonly seasoned with a combination of warming spices like ginger and cloves, as well as standout spices such as turmeric, tamarind, and saffron.
- Garam Masala – Robust and aromatic, this is a versatile spice that flavors everything from curry, to lentils, poultry, and stir fry.
- Tandoori Seasoning – A vibrant red seasoning that is pungent and bittersweet.
- Curry Seasoning – Colored by its key ingredient, turmeric, this bold blend is warming, pungent, and spicy.
Europe
European cuisine is composed of traditional foods from countries throughout the European continent, including Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and the UK (among others). Blends from Europe often include regional spices and dried herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
Popular European blends include:
- Herbs de Provence – A blend of dry herbs that are native to France and traditionally used to season meat and vegetable dishes. .
- Italian Seasoning – This peppery, piney, sweet seasoning is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine. Traditional blends include oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Pizza Seasoning – Made with all the traditional herbs found in Italian Seasoning, this blend also includes a medley of complimentary ingredients such as garlic, onion, and fennel.
Latin America & The Caribbean
Latin American and Caribbean food is famously colorful, vibrant, and flavorful. Blends from Latin America and the Caribbean include bold herbs and spices such as chilies, garlic, parsley, oregano, cinnamon, and citrus.
Popular Latin and Caribbean blends include:
- Chili Powder – This blend is the cornerstone of Latin American cuisine, combining chili peppers, cumin, and oregano.
- Taco Seasoning – No taco is complete without this famously strong, salty, smoky, and spicy blend.
- Jerk Spice – This exotically sweet, spicy, and earthy blend is authentically Jamaican, and is used to flavor everything from chicken to cheese.
North America
A proverbial melting pot of world cuisine, North American cuisine is heavily influenced by Native American, African American, Mexican, and Canadian cuisine. Blends from North America often include herbs and spices such as chiles, paprika, vanilla, mustard, oregano, thyme, basil, and cinnamon.
Popular North American blends include:
- Dry Rub – A widely-celebrated sweet and smoky blend that flavors Kansas City barbecue.
- Pickling Spice – This salty spice is used to create a brine to preserve fruits and vegetables. It contains bay leaves, mustard seeds, and peppercorns.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – This cheerful blend flavors cold weather treats and is made with sweet, warming spices like cloves and ginger.
PSC Herb and Spice Blends
Spice blends are a convenient and essential way to bring flavors from all around the world into your kitchen. So whether you wish to successfully replicate a traditional recipe, or simply bring international inspiration into your kitchen to create something new, our extensive library of world wide herb and spice blends will help you do it.
At Pacific Spice, we offer a long list of blends including all of the ones featured above. Start creating with consistency, authenticity, and ease, and talk to a sales rep today about our spice and herb blends.