Top 10 Arabic Spices

Arabic cuisine is famous for its bold and aromatic flavors, which are achieved through the use of a variety of spices.
These spices not only enhance the taste of dishes, but also add depth and complexity to the overall cooking experience.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of Arabic spices, their flavors, and their uses in everyday cooking.
By delving into the world of Arabic spices, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich culinary traditions of the Arab world.
Arabic cuisine relies heavily on a few basic spices that are used in everyday cooking.

Types of Arabic spices

There are many and varied Arabic spices, and the most famous and most widely used types are the following:

1. Black pepper

It is a climbing plant of the flowering vine of the pepper family, whose fruits are dried and used as food flavorings and spices. South India is a natural source of black pepper, especially the state of Karnataka.

2. White pepper

White pepper and black pepper are produced from the same tree, but white pepper has different advantages compared to black pepper, and also has a different taste and aroma.
White pepper is used to treat digestive and dental problems, diabetes, headaches, and coughs, and can be used for weight loss.

3. Sweet pepper

Sweet peppers boost vitamin B: This vitamin in particular boosts the production of red blood cells.
Vitamin B is an important vitamin for blood clotting and bone health.
It also boosts potassium in the body, and potassium is an important mineral for heart health.
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, also has many benefits, especially during pregnancy.

4. Chili pepper

Chili peppers are the fruit of several species of Capsicum annuum of the Solanaceae family.
One of its most important components is capsaicin, which gives a sensation of heat and is a stimulant, creating a burning sensation when it comes into contact with any tissue.
This is the fruit of a plant of the genus Capsicum, which belongs to the Solanaceae family.

5. Cardamom

Cardamom contains nutrients and compounds that may be particularly beneficial for the respiratory system.
It relieves asthma symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.
In addition, it improves blood circulation in the lungs and thus promotes breathing.
It can also fight various infections that can affect the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages.

6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a tropical, evergreen, dense tree that can reach a height of 10–40 meters from the Cinnamomum family, with erect stems reaching 3–5 meters in height.
The leaves are compound and alternate, the flowers are small and yellow, and the fruits are small and clove-like.
The bark of the trees is dried into dark brown, aromatic sticks.

7. Anise

A plant with a sweet taste, similar to licorice.
The seeds, roots, leaves, and oils of anise are used in home remedies.
Because of the many benefits of anise for the health of the body, it is also used in the manufacture of some medicines. It is also used in the manufacture of some foods and sweets.

8. Star Aniseed

Star anise contains substances and compounds that may have natural sedative properties.
Such as magnesium and some antioxidants. Its use may help stimulate the release of certain types of neurotransmitters in the body, which may play a role in stimulating feelings of drowsiness and relaxation.
This is why star anise is sometimes recommended for those with sleep disturbances.

9. Nutmeg

Although nutmeg is small in size, it is rich in antioxidants that prevent damage to the body's cells due to oxidative stress.
Which makes its eaters less susceptible to some diseases such as cancer and heart diseases such as high cholesterol.
Nutmeg also contains many anti-inflammatory compounds that limit the growth of some types of bacteria.

10. Clove

Cloves are known for their medicinal properties and sweet, aromatic flavor. The many health benefits of cloves are due to the compounds they contain.

11. Coriander

Its scientific name is Coriander sativum. It is an annual herb with a strong aroma that grows up to 60 cm in height, with finely divided upper leaves and small white or pink flowers.
It is a plant that produces small, semi-circular fruits that are yellow to brown.

12. Sage

It is a perennial, semi-shrub herb that has been used since ancient times to treat many ailments and symptoms such as colic, diarrhea, and flatulence.
It is called by many names, including Salmiya and mountain tea.

13. Cumin

Cumin has antiseptic and antioxidant properties that make it a helpful factor in preventing colds and flu.
Cumin also contains a group of vitamins that help boost immunity: vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and many essential oils.

14. Fennel

One of the most important benefits of fennel is its ability to improve blood circulation for the following reasons: Fennel contains potassium and magnesium, which help lower blood pressure.
Fennel is completely cholesterol-free and contains dietary fiber, potassium, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and other heart-healthy nutrients.

15. Ginger

Ginger has been found to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease due to its effective role in promoting cardiovascular health and lowering blood cholesterol levels.
In addition to being a source of a group of important minerals necessary for regulating the heart muscle, arterial function, and blood pressure, including potassium, magnesium, and manganese.

Names of spices

Saffron
Turmeric
Rosemary
Parsley
Bay Leaf
Thyme
Sumac
Mustard
Dill
Caraway
Vanilla
Mastic
Mint
Basil
Juniper
Curry
Tarragon
Tamarind
Licorice
Marjoram
Nutmeg rind
Wasabi
Sorrel
Poppy Seed
Celery seeds
Wild thyme oregano
Rock cherry
Fenugreek
Nigella sativa
Safflower
mustard
Caper

Saudi spice names

Cardamom.
Cinnamon.
Cloves.
Galangal.
Gray hair
Saffron.
Bay leaves.

Types of Syrian spices

Syrian cuisine is one of the most famous dishes in the Arab world.
This is due to the delicious taste of the dish, which in addition to the use of natural ingredients.
It combines different varieties, health benefits, and moderate use of spices and perfumes.
Because the secret lies in the taste, here are the ingredients for making the Syrian seven spices:

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
1 tablespoon black pepper.
A tablespoon of ground cardamom.
1 tablespoon ground coriander.
1 tablespoon finely ground cumin.
Half a tablespoon of ground nutmeg.
Half a tablespoon of ground cloves.

Types of Iraqi spices

Iraqi cuisine is one of the most important secrets of Iraqi cuisine and is famous for its use of many spices that are included in many Arab and international recipes.

Because the secret lies in the taste, here are the ingredients for making the Iraqi seven spices:

A quarter cup of cumin (not ground).
A tablespoon of kibbeh seeds.
A quarter cup of cardamom pods (unground).
1 tablespoon black pepper (not ground).
A quarter cup of dried coriander (not ground).
1 tablespoon dried cloves.
1 teaspoon cinnamon.

What are Arabic spices?

Spices in Arabic are a group of herbs and spices that are mixed together to create a delicious flavor added to a variety of foods.
The most famous spices and herbs that make up the Arabian Peninsula's spices are cumin, caraway, cloves, black and red pepper, sumac, saffron, nutmeg, turmeric, and others.
Spices and seasonings are considered appetizers and have many benefits for the stomach and digestive system.
In addition to the delicious taste and aroma of food, there are many advantages to using Arabic spices in food.
Among the benefits of spices: it increases the body's immunity to resist diseases and is a natural appetizer.
In addition to containing spices such as cumin, cinnamon and ginger, it treats digestive system pain and stomach discomfort.

How many types of spices?

Seven main spices are usually used, making up the seven spices, which are ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, saffron, black pepper, cloves, and coriander.
But in the Arab world there are more than 50 types of spices and seasonings, either through herbs and cultivation or through manufacturing and innovation.

How to preserve spices and seasonings

Some people believe that spices should be stored in dry, dark cabinets and tightly sealed bottles away from moisture, heat, and light, while others believe it is better to keep them in the refrigerator.
Nutritionist Carla Habib had a different opinion, saying that if the temperature is below 25 degrees Celsius, spices can be stored in the cupboard.
It is recommended to store spices in the refrigerator in case of high temperature.
She made an exception to this rule, stating that dried coriander powder should always be kept in the refrigerator, as its presence outside can cause it to spoil.
When purchasing ground spices, experts advise against overdoing it, but rather choosing the right amount needed for a short period of time, as spices lose their strength and aroma when ground.
When preserving and storing spices, each spice should also be placed in a small, tightly sealed glass container and kept away from light, heat, and moisture.
When using, it is necessary to insert a clean, not wet spoon, take only the necessary amount, and close the container tightly, so that air and moisture do not enter.