Across the world, spices are a much-loved part of cooking—the result of a long and storied history. Whole empires and trading fortunes have been won and lost in pursuit of spices. From the Middle Ages onward, spices were luxurious ingredients reserved for celebratory dishes, rather than for everyday cooking.

Most dishes that use these spices are traditionally sweet—German gingerbread, Italian panforte, British mulled wine, and French spiced fruits. Yet spices can also enhance a variety of savory dishes.

Spices offer a variety of great contemporary flavor combinations, and in the following descriptions and recipes, you'll find ideas to further explore their versatility.

	Allspice (Pimenta dioica)
	Anise (Pimpinella anisum and Illicium verum)
	Caraway (Carum carvi)
	Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
	Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zelanicum)
	Cloves (Syzyium aromaticum)
	Curry
	Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
	Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
	Saffron (Crocus sativus)
	Get the Best from Spices Our how-to guide to grinding, roasting, toasting and more.