Spices and herbs are an essential part of any dish. We have compiled a list of the most delicious spices and herbs that all start with S. Get ready to add some serious flavor to your next meal!
1. Sage
Sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has a pungent, slightly bitter flavor and is often used in savory dishes, such as roast meats, stuffings, and sauces. It is also used to flavor liqueurs and is believed to have medicinal properties.
2. Saffron
A spice made from the stigmas of the saffron crocus. It has a slightly sweet and floral flavor, and is often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines to add flavor and color to rice dishes, sauces, and desserts.
3. Szechuan pepper
Szechuan pepper, also known as Sichuan pepper, is a type of flowering plant that is native to the Sichuan province in China. The spice is made from the dried, outer husks of the fruit of the plant, and has a unique, tingling, numbingly spicy flavor. It is often used in Szechuan and other Chinese cuisines, as well as in Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine. Szechuan pepper is used to add flavor to dishes such as stir-fries, marinades, and spicy dipping sauces. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and toothaches.
4. Sumac
Sumac is a spice made from the ground, red berries of the Rhus coriaria plant, which is native to the Middle East and Mediterranean region. It has a tangy, lemony flavor and is often used as a condiment or seasoning in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Sumac is used to add flavor to dishes such as kebabs, marinades, salads, and dips such as hummus. It is also a popular ingredient in the spice blend za’atar. In addition to its use in cooking, sumac is also used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, astringent, and tonic. It is also high in antioxidants and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions and digestive issues.
5. Sweet paprika
Sweet paprika is a type of paprika that is made from sweet, ripe red peppers. It has a mild, sweet, slightly smoky flavor and is often used as a garnish or to add color to dishes. Sweet paprika is commonly used in Spanish, Hungarian, and other Central European cuisines to add flavor to dishes such as stews, soups, and sauces. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and skin conditions.
6. Sweet basil
Sweet basil is an annual herb that is native to India and other parts of Asia. It has a sweet, licorice-like flavor and is often used in Italian, Thai, and other cuisines to add flavor to dishes such as pasta, pesto, and curry. Sweet basil is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, nausea, and sore throat.
7. Sweet parsley
Sweet parsley is a type of parsley that has a mild, sweet flavor and is often used as a garnish or to add flavor to dishes. It is commonly used in Mediterranean, French, and other cuisines to add flavor to dishes such as salads, soups, and sauces. Sweet parsley is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestion issues and skin conditions.
8. Salad seasoning
Salad seasoning spice is a blend of spices and other seasonings that is often used to add flavor to salads. The specific blend and flavors can vary widely, but common ingredients include salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. It may also include ingredients like sugar, vinegar, and oil to add sweetness, tanginess, and depth of flavor to the salad. Salad seasoning spice is typically used as a final touch to add flavor and depth to finished salads, rather than as a cooking ingredient.
9. Safflower
Safflower is a type of thistle that is native to the Mediterranean region. The spice is made from the dried, orange-red flowers of the plant, and has a slightly bitter, pungent flavor. It is often used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and other cuisines to add flavor to dishes such as curries, stews, and rice dishes. Safflower is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestion issues and skin conditions. It is also used as a natural dye for fabrics and cosmetics.
10. Saffron threads
Saffron threads are thin strands of saffron, which is a spice made from the stigmas of the saffron crocus. It has a slightly sweet and floral flavor, and is often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines to add flavor and color to rice dishes, sauces, and desserts.
11. Saffron powder
Saffron powder, a spice made from ground saffron threads, which are thin strands of saffron. It has a slightly sweet and floral flavor, and is often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines to add flavor and color to rice dishes, sauces, and desserts.
12. Siamese ginger
Siamese ginger, also known as Alpinia galanga, is a perennial plant in the ginger family that is native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly used as a spice in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines, and has a pungent, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor. It is often used in curry pastes and other spice blends, as well as in soups and stews.
13. Serai
Serai, also known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a type of grass that is native to tropical Asia and is commonly used as a herb in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a lemony scent and flavor, and is used to add a citrusy aroma and taste to dishes.
14. Spanish jasmine
Spanish jasmine, also known as Jasminum grandiflorum, is a species of jasmine that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World. It is a popular ornamental plant and is also used in traditional medicine. The flowers of the plant are used to add a sweet, floral aroma and flavor to dishes, particularly in Southeast Asian cuisine.
15. Sweet bay
Sweet bay, also known as Laurus nobilis, is an evergreen tree or large shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. The leaves of the plant are used as a herb and have a sweet, pungent aroma and flavor. They are often used to season dishes and are a key ingredient in the French herb blend known as bouquet garni.
16. Silver mint
Silver mint, also known as Mentha longifolia, is a species of mint that is native to Europe and Asia. It has a strong, minty aroma and flavor and is used to add a refreshing taste to dishes. It is often used in salads, desserts, and drinks.
17. Scarlett leadwort
Scarlett leadwort, also known as Plumbago indica, is a species of flowering plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. The leaves and roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine and have a bitter taste. The plant is not commonly used as a spice in cooking.
18. Sweet scented marigold
Sweet scented marigold, also known as Tagetes lucida, is a species of marigold that is native to Central and South America. The leaves of the plant have a sweet, anise-like aroma and are used as a herb in Mexican and other Latin American cuisines. The flowers of the plant are also used to add a floral flavor to dishes.
19. Sayur manis
Sayur manis, also known as Breynia androgyna, is a species of flowering plant that is native to tropical regions of Asia. The leaves of the plant have a sweet, minty flavor and are used as a herb in Southeast Asian cuisine.
20. Squash pepper
Squash pepper, also known as Capsicum chinense, is a species of chili pepper that is native to the Americas. It is commonly used as a spice and has a sweet, fruity flavor with a moderate level of heat.
21. Spanish thyme
Spanish thyme, also known as Coleus amboinicus, is a perennial herb that is native to Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is known for its strong, pungent aroma and is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. In cooking, Spanish thyme is used to add flavor to dishes such as stews, soups, and marinades. It is also used in aromatherapy due to its strong, pleasant scent.
22. Spiny coriander
Spiny coriander, also known as Eryngium foetidum, is a perennial herb that is native to the Caribbean and parts of South America. It is known for its strong, pungent aroma and is often used in cooking to add flavor to dishes such as soups, stews, and sauces. In traditional medicine, spiny coriander is used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and pain.
23. Sand ginger
Sand ginger, also known as Kaempferia galanga, is a perennial herb that is native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its aromatic rhizomes, which are used in cooking to add flavor to dishes such as soups, curries, and marinades. Sand ginger is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and fever. It is known for its warm, pungent aroma and is often used in aromatherapy.
24. Smith’s Mint
Smith’s Mint, also known as Mentha smithiana, is a type of mint that is native to Europe, but has been naturalized worldwide. It is known for its strong, pungent aroma and is often used in cooking to add flavor to dishes such as sauces, marinades, and cocktails. Smith’s Mint is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and respiratory problems.
25. Sacred basil
Sacred basil, also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum, is a type of basil that is native to India and other parts of Asia. It is known for its strong, pungent aroma and is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, coughs, and digestive issues. Sacred basil is also used in cooking to add flavor to dishes such as curries, chutneys, and teas.
26. Sweet marjoram
Sweet marjoram, also known as Origanum majorana, is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has a sweet, slightly spicy, oregano-like flavor and is often used in Mediterranean, German, and other cuisines to add flavor to dishes such as stews, soups, and marinades. Sweet marjoram is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and digestive issues.
27. Sweet tea
Sweet tea, also known as Osmanthus fragrans, is a type of flowering plant that is native to Asia. The flowers of the plant are used to make a sweet, fragrant tea that is popular in China and other parts of Asia. Sweet tea is known for its delicate, floral aroma and is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and anxiety. The plant is also used in perfumery and aromatherapy.
