Mild Spices

Spices are used to enhance food flavoring

Different spices are found around the world and have been a much-sought luxury before the advent of modern transportation. The Spice Road opened a trade route from Europe and the Near East to the Orient which introduced spices not available to the native inhabitants of Europe. Mild spices are one of the groups of spices available for food flavoring.

Parsley

Parsley is a mild, green spice used in American, Middle Eastern and European cuisine. The leaf itself can be used as a garnish on food dishes and ground or chopped parsley can be used as flavoring in soups and casseroles. In Eastern Europe, parsley root is used to flavor vegetable soups and stews.

Coriander

Coriander is an herb found from southeastern Europe to North Africa and Asia. The seeds and leaves are used to spice a variety of different foods including guacamole, curries and salads. Heat diminishes the flavor of coriander so it is added to food just before serving. The root is used commonly in Thai dishes, including soup and curry dishes. Coriander leaves also have a citrus overtone and an ingredient in some Belgian wheat beers. Known as cilantro in Spanish, it is used in many Mexican recipes as well.

Dill

Dill is an herb that grows in hot summer climates that require plenty of sunshine. It loses its flavor quickly when dried and is best used fresh. The spice is used in a variety of dishes in Eastern Europe, including chilled salmon and borscht. Pickles have dill added for flavor during curing. Dill is also used to enhance the flavor of sour cream, dips and spreads and potatoes.

Thyme

Thyme is used as a spice in such foods as soups and stews. Thyme has a particular affinity to tomatoes and lamb. Fresh thyme is usually sold in sprigs consisting of the stems and leaves. It releases its flavor slowly so thyme is usually added early in the cooking process. Thyme retains its flavor after drying and mixes well with other spices and herbs.

References

• Taste of Home: Herbs and Spices

Resources

• The Encyclopedia of Spices
• Spice Advice