1.Saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and can cost an eye watering $500 – $5,000 per pound. The spice comes from the stigma of the saffron crocus flower and it can take up to 75,000 flowers to produce just one pound of spice. The demanding production process and the acres of land needed to grow the blossoms are what give saffron such a massive price tag. Fortunately most recipes only require a small pinch of the spice to give dishes their flavouring and colour. Saffron has a floral and sweet, yet slightly bitter taste and is most often used in seafood dishes, rice dishes, paella and sauces.

2. Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds are the fragrant, dried fruit (but referred to as seeds) of the caraway plant which is found in Europe and Northern Africa. The seeds have a sweet and slightly peppery smell and are often used as a flavouring base in savoury dishes like sauerkraut, cabbage soup and cheddar cheese. The seeds also lend a lovely aroma to baked goods like bread, cakes and biscuits. Caraway seeds can also be used for pickling and brining and go together well with garlic and pork. If you’re following a recipe that calls for ground cumin, you can use caraway seeds as a replacement but only use half the amount requested.

3. Asafoetida

This interestingly named spice is a gum resin from a variety of giant fennel that has been powdered. Asafoetida has a strong smell and tastes similar to onion and garlic. It’s often used in Indian cooking, especially by Jain and Brahmin Indians who are forbidden from eating onion and garlic. Asafoetida powder comes in two forms. The brown powder is a very concentrated dried and ground gum, which should be used sparingly. When diluted with flour or turmeric, it comes in a yellow powder, but you should still keep an eye on how much you add. Better quality asafoetida is a mixed of asafoetida and fenugreek. The powder is used in vegetarian dishes, curries and stews to give the flavours a lift.

4. Sumac

Sumac is one of the least known spices, yet this wine coloured powder is extremely versatile. The coarse powder comes from the ground up, dark red berries of the sumac bush, which is native to the Middle East. The spice has a tangy flavour without the tartness of a lemon, making it a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes like poultry, fish, hummus and as a dry rub for meats. You can also do as the Iranians do and have it as a condiment with salt and pepper. The bright colour is also great for making a dish stand out.

5. Grains of paradise

This delightfully named spice is a more fragrant and intense version of the standard black peppercorn and comes from the same family as ginger and cardamom. Native to West Africa, these small grains add heat and an elevated flavour to dishes that black peppercorns usually wouldn’t achieve. With notes of cardamom, coriander, citrus, ginger, nutmeg and juniper, grains of paradise is often used to add flavour to curries, tagines, paellas, cakes, spice rubs, braises and gingerbread. You can use grains of paradise in a regular pepper grinder.

According to seasonedpioneers