7 Spices to Give Meals a Warm Flavor

These seven warming spices are flavorful additions to winter cooking. They not only add health benefits to dishes but also add a pleasant taste to a wide variety of savory and sweet foods.

Grating, grinding and crushing are used to release the essential oils inside the spices. Spices should be checked regularly for expiration dates. Otherwise, whole spices can be purchased that have a long shelf life.

Spices for Winter

Common spices to use in winter include:

1. Horseradish
2. Ginger
3. Cayenne
4. Cardamom
5. Garlic
6. Black pepper
7. Cinnamon

Properties of These Spices

Horseradish has been shown to contain glucosinolates, which are believed to help contribute to preventing serious illnesses. Horseradish can be used for warmth in sauces and soups as well as on top of roasted vegetables.

Ginger has a touch of sweetness and spicy warmth and can be added to dishes from Asia, India and the Middle East as well as to Caribbean foods.

Cayenne adds a punch to any dish. It can be used in marinades, soups, dressings, chili, seasoning blends or even desserts. It works well with other warming spices.

Cardamom can be found in pods, seeds and ground. It has a warming and sweet flavor. It is used in lentil or rice dishes and also flavors carrots, sweet potatoes and squash.

Garlic is a favorite in many dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, stir-fries and more.

Black pepper has been used for over 4,000 years and is added in many everyday dishes.

Cinnamon adds taste to cozy dishes with its earthy-sweet flavor. It is common in desserts, but many savory dishes are heightened with a dash of cinnamon as well.