The most frequently used herbs and spices in the Mediterranean cuisine
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| mediterranean cuisine |
The most frequently used herbs and spices in the Mediterranean include a variety of culinary herbs and ingredients that are omnipresent in the Mediterranean cuisine and kitchens .
The inhabitants of the Mediterranean basin are food lovers and cuisine passionate.
They prioritize food cooking in their daily activities and routines.Most families of the Mediterranean are fond of traditional cooking and preparing their own and unique plates and dishes.
Algerians , Moroccans ,Tunisians, Libyens and Mauritanians love to cook using their local herbs and spices that they grow personnelly in their open space gardens or in pots of their balconies.
Truly,The Mediterranean region is a place of harmony,culture, diversity and a generous land for growing herbs and spices.
Nearly all Mediterranean kitchens are packed with a variety of spices and herbs .
In today article,we will discover together the bounty of the Mediterranean cuisine that kept widespreading across the globe.
The most frequently used herbs and spices in the Mediterranean:
We will provide you with the most common herbs and spices of the Mediterranean regions:
1-Ras El Hanout:
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| Ras El Hanout |
This spice which means in Arabic ,the head of the shop ,is a mark of the Moroccan cuisine and it is widely used in every Mediterranean kitchen.Its blends vary from region to region .
In Morocco, Ras El Hanout is used in all kinds of cookings and bakings – dry rubs for grilled meats, fish, spreads, and soups and stews, namely tagines,the national traditional dish of Morocco.
2-Za’ atar Spice :
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| zaatar spice |
It is typically Mediterranean.This spice is a blend of sesame seeds, sumac, and herbs (often dried thyme and/or oregano).
This unique combination is traditionally added to olive oil and spread on flatbread to give a unique flavour and a rich taste .
3-Aleppo pepper :
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| aleppo pepper |
This Syrian spice is made of Halaby peppers.
Its name Aleppo is derived from the name of the Syrian city Aleppo.This bright red spice is mildly spicy.
It is widely used in Syria, Türkiye and Middle Eastern cuisine .
Most Mediterranean countries use Aleppo pepper spice in a range of their traditional and modern plates and dishes .
4-Bay laurel :
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| bay leaf or laurel |
This herb is called also bay leaf ,it is abundantly used in the Mediterranean kitchens .It is most often used dried where it gives a sweeter taste.
Bay leaves are large, flat and green in color.
The fresh bay leaves have a resinous scent, with flavors of eucalyptus and menthol as well.
5-Cinnamon :
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| cinnamon spice |
Besides to the uses of cinnamon is sweets like candies , cookies and cakes.
The Mediterranean people love to use
cinnamon in their favorite dishes and plates .
For example,in Morocco, cinnamon is one of the spices used in tagines made with beans, chicken and lamb also.
Cinnamon has an earthy and spicy flavor which adds a unique deliciousness to a variety of Mediterranean dishes .
6-Coriander :
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| coriander |
Coriander constitute of dried seeds of cilantro plant.
It is frequently used in some Mediterranean cuisine countries like Algeria,Greece and Morocco.
coriander is mainly used in marinades, soups, stews ,meat,fish and other dishes.
7-Cumin :
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| cumin |
Cumin has its own reserved place in the Mediterranean cuisine.Though it is globally used ,this spice is abundantly added to different dishes and plates of the Mediterranean regions.
Cumin has a strong flavor .It is earthy and warm, with grades of nuttiness and a slight bitterness as well.
In Morocco,cumin is added to the Apricot chicken dish.It is also the best saisoning for Shawarma plates.
8-Fennel seeds :
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| fennel seeds |
Fennel is a green plant that grows in all the Mediterranean basin and it is widely used in the Mediterranean cuisine and kitchens .
The spice has a mild licorice flavor that looks like anise seeds flavor.
Fennels seeds can be used as a garnish for soups and baked vegetables as well.
9-Lavender :
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| lavender |
Its fragrant and edible buds are added to enrich desserts.It matches well with honey and citrus dishes, such as lemonade and baklava.
10-Marjoram :
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| marjoram |
Marjoram is one of the most common herbs in the Mediterranean cuisine.
The flavor of marjoram is like the oregano, but It is milder and resinous.
11-Mint :
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| mint |
Mint is an herb that goes with the Mediterranean climate.Mint thrives well in the Mediterranean countries.
It has different intensities and flavors.Mint can also be used as a tea .
Mint tea is a traditional drink of Morocco,Algeria and Tunisia , especially in desert provinces and Sahara.
12-Oregano :
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| oregano |
It is the best and most favorite herb for the Greek.This herb belongs to the mint family.
Oregano has a sharp aroma and an earthy flavor.
Oregano is widely used in the Italian cuisine .It is an essential ingredient in some dishes like Pizza and spaghetti.
13-Paprika :
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| paprika |
Paprika has a mild ,sweet or hot pepper flavor .
It is one of the best saisonings in Mediterranean cuisine .It can be used as a flavor for various dishes like stews,meats,chicken and soups.
14-Parsley :
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| parsley |
Parsley is a world renowned herb that we can find nearly in all international cuisines.It imostly consumed and used in the Mediterranean regions.
Parsley has a fresh and vibrant flavor .
Fresh parsley can give various plates and dishes a beautiful and unique splash of colors.
It is commonly added to Tabboueh plate and used as a garnish in many Italian recipes.
15-Rosemary :
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| rosemary |
This herb that belongs to the mint family is a symbol of the Mediterranean food also .It has a very pungent and resinous flavor .
In many Mediterranean countries like Italy,Greece ,France , Algeria and Morocco,this herb is used with roasted meats, vegetables and potatoes.
These above-mentioned fifteen herbs represent the richness and uniqueness of the Mediterranean cuisine.
They have made the Mediterranean cuisine and foods known in all the world cuisines.
Let's take you now in another journey of the Mediterranean cuisine to give you the top foods and dishes in the Mediterranean cuisine.
Top foods and dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine:
- Couscous
- Shakshouka
- Shawarma
- Falafel
- Tabbouleh
- Potato gnocchi
- Ratatouille
- Pastina soup
- Ciopinno
- Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad
- Greek Salad
- Watermelon Salad
- Hummus
- Arancini
These wonderful and amazing plates and dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine will make you taste the uniqueness of the Mediterranean foods and take you in a full culinary journey to to the Mediterranean countries.