Most Used Spices in Latin America

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6 Latin American Spices You Need to Use in Your Meals

Did you know that spices can be seeds, fruits, roots, barks, or plant substances? Yes, spices are very varied and their main function is to add flavor to food, in addition to aroma, color, and even helping to preserve food.
In Hispanic kitchens, there are several popular spices that are frequently used and give dishes that different and characteristic touch that food has. Check out what they are here and feel encouraged to include them when cooking international dishes.

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6 Latin American Spices You Need to Use in Your Meals

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Cilantro
Cilantro is a green leaf condiment that adds a characteristically earthy and fresh flavor. The most common ways to eat it are fresh, over rice, or with a green sauce or a green salad. In Mexican restaurants, cilantro is a classic decoration and accompaniment when serving dishes.

Cumin
Cumin provides a spicy flavor that is often associated with seasoned meats and various stews. This Hispanic spice is usually ground into powder and easily mixes into broths or water before being added to a recipe.

Saffron
This spice provides a bright yellow color and a sweet flavor to many Hispanic dishes. This condiment made from flowers has a honey-like taste, so it's best added to mild and sweet dishes such as rice or stuffing. You can also use saffron in sauces combined with mild-flavored meats, such as chicken, fish, or turkey.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not sweet by itself, but it is used along with many sugary sweets. It is a brown powdered condiment made from tree bark, often used to sprinkle on churros; however, it is also a great addition to some stews and is even used to season coffee and cocoa as part of traditional Mexican after-dinner beverages.

Chilies and Peppers
There is no doubt that the use of peppers and chilies is characteristic of Hispanic food. From spicy varieties like cayenne, habanero, or smoked jalapeño (chipotle), to milder options like red peppers (also known as paprika) and black pepper, all are very popular in dishes of this cuisine. Most peppers can be dried and ground into a delicious spicy powder.

Clove
When preparing meats, try seasoning them with clove. These dried flower buds are sturdy enough to puncture tender meats and infuse them with flavor as they cook. Cloves add a sweet and strong flavor to ham, beef, and pork. They also pair well with fruit sauces, like an apple or mango sauce spiced with cinnamon.

6 Latin American Spices You Need to Use in Your Meals

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