Five Essential Spices?

[Jenise]

And a question, what is dry mustard? Spice? Condiment?

By my definition definitely a spice since its ground mustard seeds.

I would agree; add water, and you've made a condiment.

[Jenise]

This list would change for me often, as I tend to go through cooking phases where I play with a lot of the same flavoring ingredients in different ways. Lately I have been on a heat kick, so mine would have to be: Aleppo pepper, ancho chili powder, sumac, szechuan peppercorn, and cumin.

I have the same problem. Ten years ago, black pepper wouldn't have been in my top five. Though I cannot now imagine life without it, I could actually see it being temporarily displaced. Just today I opened a fresh packet of aleppo pepper from Penzey's--I've been out of it for over a year. The pinch I put in my mouth makes it clear that this new batch will no doubt send me in a whole new direction. As did, somewhat recently, me mixing up another batch of Ten Spice Powder (a Barbara Tropp recipe, it's a freshly made five spice with a strong fennel influence. If you've not tried it....

I have the same problem. Ten years ago, black pepper wouldn't have been in my top five. Though I cannot now imagine life without it, I could actually see it being temporarily displaced. Just today I opened a fresh packet of aleppo pepper from Penzey's--I've been out of it for over a year. The pinch I put in my mouth makes it clear that this new batch will no doubt send me in a whole new direction. As did, somewhat recently, me mixing up another batch of Ten Spice Powder (a Barbara Tropp recipe, it's a freshly made five spice with a strong fennel influence. If you've not tried it....

Oh, just looked that one up and that looks amazing! I will have to mix up a batch soon and try it out. I must admit, before I met my fiancee, I used more herbs than spices in my cooking - but I must give credit where credit is due. Now I'm obsessed with spices and spice blends. Really love Za'atar, Harissa and Berbere and just picked up some Baharat from the Savory Spice Shop (love Penzeys too but Savory is cheaper and has lots of organic and non-GMO spices).

I have my ups and downs with spices, too, but looking at what I've stayed consistent with over the years, my list would be black pepper, cayenne, cumin, cinnamon, and pimenton.

Hmmm... before reading others' responses:

black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne and cumin, with honorable mention to coriander, ginger and paprika.

Question: are the allium flavorants (onion, garlic, shallots, chives) considered herbs, spices or neither?

Mark Lipton

Hmmm... before reading others' responses:

black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne and cumin, with honorable mention to coriander, ginger and paprika.

Question: are the allium flavorants (onion, garlic, shallots, chives) considered herbs, spices or neither?

Mark Lipton

Neither, they are vegetable, however in the culinary world, chives are considered an herb.

I would say that the allium flavorants are herbs if they're used as a seasoning (as the onions in Chinese red-cooked chicken), but vegetables if they are a major ingredient (as in onion rings, stuffed onions, tripe and onions).

-Paul W.