Ultimate Spice Guide: French

Last time, we tackled the major spices present in Mexican and Caribbean cuisine. Allez! Cuisine! Let's go French this time as we discover the essential spices of French cuisine. This visual is created by Cooksmarts.com.

Let's get to know our spices:

• Nutmeg - known for its warm, spicy sweet flavor, this spice is indigenous to the Banda Islands of Indonesia but is also grown in the Caribbean, especially in Grenada. This is usually prepared freshly ground for stronger flavor and aroma.
• Thyme - delicate looking with penetrating aroma, this herb is both used fresh and dried. Perfect for vegetable dishes and partner with other herbs for that great roasted chicken.
• Garlic Powder -  a common component of spice mix usually made from dehydrated garlic granulated to a desired size. 
• Rosemary - known for its earthy yet fragrant smell, this herb usually partners with thyme to season meats such as chicken, lamb, pork, salmon, and tuna dishes.
• Oregano - also called wild marjoram in some parts of Europe, this spice belongs in the mint family. Aside from its balsamic and aromatic flavor, it is also used in traditional herbal medicine due to its antibacterial properties.
• Herbes de Provence - this is a mixture of herbs typically present in Provence, France. Usually it consists of savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and other herbs. This is usually used as flavorings for vegetable stews, grilled meats and fish.

Up Next: North African Spice Guide