Paprika
Paprika is a spicy and somewhat bitter spice with a hint of smoke and sweetness. Derived from the dried fruits of Capsicum annuum, it may consist of certain types of chili or bell peppers, or a mix of both.
Different types of paprika tend to vary in terms of heat and flavor. It is commonly used in dishes that include tomato sauce, and it is a common ingredient in Hungarian and Mediterranean cuisine. It goes especially well with chicken, and can be used in a variety of egg recipes.
Paprika is a rich source of antioxidants, and it is said to have antibacterial properties as well.
Ginger
Ginger is actually the root or rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant. A fragrant spice, it has a tangy flavor that can leave a bit of heat in the back of the mouth. It is a common ingredient in many Asian dishes, and is also a mainstay in Western sweets and desserts.
Ginger is drunk either as the sole ingredient in ginger tea, or mixed with other tea leaf varieties.
Chewing a bit of ginger offers relief from colds and sore throats. It is also used to ease motion sickness, relieve menstrual cramps, and reduce heartburn.
Tamarind
Tamarind is a sour fruit harvested from the Fabaceae tree, which is indigenous to Africa. The fruit has a characteristic pod-like appearance, which contains several seeds wrapped in fleshy pulp.
Tamarind is of course used in many African dishes. But it is also a popular ingredient in the cuisines of Latin America and Asia, where the fruit is used to impart its distinctive sourness to soups and sauces.
Tamarind is a natural laxative, and it is known to provide relief from fever. Some people even gargle a solution made from steeped tamarind in order to ease the discomfort from sore throats.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is an earthy, fragrant, and flavorful spice that works equally well in desserts and savory dishes. It is derived from the seeds of the Myristica plant, and its nutty flavor often invites comparisons to cinnamon.
Eggnog is of course what most people in the West sprinkle nutmeg into. But it is also a popular ingredient in Indian and Indonesian food. In the Caribbean, it isn’t unusual to find drinks flavored with this spice.
Nutmeg can provide relief for a variety of conditions, from indigestion to bad breath. It is also used to aid in the detoxification of the liver and kidney.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a key ingredient in Indian curry powder, which typically has the spice’s characteristic orange-yellow tinge. It is derived from the boiled and dried rhizomes of the turmeric plant.
The flavor of turmeric is a bit difficult to pin down. Slightly bitter with a bit of spiciness, it has an earthy character that isn’t to everyone’s taste. Nevertheless, it is commonly used as a flavoring for entrees, and it is even brewed into tea.
Turmeric can help enhance the liver’s detoxifying functions. It is also used in arthritis treatment due to its painkilling effects.