Ingredient Information

Function

Natural spices are probably the oldest food ingredients used by mankind to improve and enhance foods. Natural spices can give flavor or color and preserve food.

A natural spice can be the fruit, leaf, bark, seed or root in a fresh or dried state.

The most known and used natural spices are pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, coriander, saffron, mustard, allspice, vanilla, anise, annatto, basil, bay leaf, chili pepper, chives, cilantro, dill, garlic, elder flower, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, mint, oregano, paprika, rosemary, tarragon, thyme and wasabi. This food ingredient can be found virtually in any food preparation.

Other Use and Industries

Many natural spices are used in perfumes, medicine, religious rituals, cosmetics and household cleaning products.

Health Effects

Natural spices are a wide arrange of food additives that are generally regarded as safe.

Some individuals may be sensitive to a particular spice and should avoid consuming them.

With some medical issues, like gastrointestinal and skin conditions, such as rosacea, the intake of hot spices is not recommended.
On the other hand, some spices are recommended for medical issues, like garlic that is believed to relax blood vessels and lower cholesterol. Other beneficial spices are star anise, curry and cinnamon.

Some natural spices may cause anaphylactic reactions.

Origins

Natural spices are grown and processed differently depending on their nature. For example, garlic is grown and then sold fresh, dried or in a powder; cinnamon comes from the bark of the tree and can be sold natural or ground; vanilla is sold as a liquid or in the natural pods that contain seeds; clove and nutmeg are usually dried; and some spices go through an extensive process. Saffron, for example will be classified according to its color, flavor and aroma.