By Alex Staff

A good cook knows that seasoning is a powerful ingredient to bring out the best taste in a dish. Many cooks and chefs throughout history have used certain types of seasonings to add flavor or introduce new textures to a dish. Here are the most common food seasonings used by culinary experts, which you might want to add to your kitchen if you have not already.

Herbs

Coming from the leaves of select plants and vegetation, herbs add flavor to any dish. Herbs are especially flavorful and aromatic if they are freshly picked from the garden. Dried herbs are also effective, but they add a sharper taste compared to fresh seasoning. Never use pesticide if you intend to grow herbs in your garden. Herbs which are grown naturally are more effective in providing their natural health benefits. Basil, Oregano, Chives, Parsley, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage are some good examples of popular herbs used in a chef’s kitchen.

Spices

These come from the roots, buds, bark, and fermented fruits or seeds of plants. Plants that make perfect spices—once processed—grow in Asia, the Caribbean, Central America and the Mediterranean. The warm temperatures of these areas develop the distinct taste delivered by most spices. If you need that certain sharpness or flavor, you could add Garlic, Cloves, Cumin, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Turmeric, or Ginger to any dish.

Salt

Many dishes require salt to enhance their flavor. In some cultures, particularly in Southeast Asia and America, salt is a condiment that is always on the dining table. Made from evaporated sea water, salt has many variations too. Black Salt, for example, is used most often in Indian dishes. Gray Salt is typically used in French dishes. Himalayan Pink Salt is commonly used in gourmet dishes. Some types of salt are used as a component for a spice mix as well.

Sauces

These are usually made with a combination of herbs, spices, and chopped vegetables. Sauces are liquid in form. Examples of sauces are soy sauce, vinegar, wine, and lemon juice. Like every other seasoning, they are also used to enhance the flavor of dishes. Spicy sauces like hot pepper sauce, satay, and hot bean sauces are famous for their distinct taste and strong flavor.

Another kind of sauce is cream sauce. Horseradish cream sauce is a good example of this. It is made from grated horseradish and select spices. It has a cream base that gives it its texture. Horseradish cream sauce is perfect for fresh vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, and carrots.

If you want to turn your kitchen into a place infused with gourmet flavor, do not be afraid to use herbs and spices. You may not be an expert chef but you now have the basic tools to make any dish taste delicious!