Some of the most exotic bulk herbs and spices available are not single spices, but rather spice mixtures. Such mixtures such as curry and five-spice often contain the same dried herbs and seasonings spices that are used throughout the world, but in unique combinations that give them flavors all their own.

Sometimes what makes for an exotic taste is not a particular spice, but rather the context in which it is used. For example, basil is a primary ingredient in the Genovese pasta sauce known as pesto; it is also an important component of the Southeast Asian condiment called pho yet they are completely different taste experiences.

Another example may be cinnamon and nutmeg. These salt free seasonings are typically associated with desserts and sweet pastries. However, it is not unusual to find cinnamon used in savory Greek dishes such as moussaka and spanikopita. Nutmeg is an important ingredient in many Indian curries.

Ginger is another “crossover” spice that finds its way into both sweet and savory dishes. Combined with cinnamon and sugar, it is the basic flavoring for treats such as pumpkin pie and ginger bread. However, combined in equal amounts with chili powder and garlic, it is the main spice combination for African Peanut and Chicken Stew, a thick, hearty soup that is probably one of the tastiest uses of peanut butter.

It works both ways, incidentally; there are a few traditionally “savory” spices that find their way into some of the more exotic desserts of the world. According to a 2003 article that appeared in the Washington Post, spices that “typically are associated with savory dishes, such as black pepper, white pepper, saffron and chili…play an important role in dessert dishes, where they offer bold, intriguing accents to the overall flavor and make dessert taste something other than just sweet.” (1) In fact, the ancient Mayan Indians of present-day Mexico and Guatemala drank chocolate with a healthy dash of hot chile pepper. In 1996, two authors named Stock and DeWitt published a cookbook titled Sweet Heat that described over 150 different desserts that contained chile powder and black pepper. Perhaps these desserts are not to everyone’s tastes, but they are certain to be exotic! Starwest Botanicals makes your job as chef even easier by offering a vast selection of bulk spices online.

Buben, Jeff. “A Little Bit of Pepper Spices Up Dessert.” Washington Post, 5 Nov 2003.