Citrusy
The clearest citrusy spices and herbs are Coriander seed, Green cardamom, Lemongrass, Makrut lime leaf, Dried lime, and Sumac, most of them carrying floral and bitter notes alongside. Bright, tart, lemon-leaning notes that lift a dish: sumac, lemongrass, makrut.
Aleppo pepper
Fruity, raisin-like, tart, mild heat
Amchur
Sour, tangy, fruity, faintly sweet
Chaat masala
Tangy, savory, sulfurous, sour
Cilantro
Bright, citrusy, pungent, fresh
Coriander seed
Citrusy, floral, warm, lightly sweet
Curry leaf
Nutty, citrusy, savory, faintly bitter
Dill
Fresh, grassy, citrusy, faintly anise
Dried lime
Sour, fermented, musty, intensely citrus
Galangal
Sharp, piney, citrusy, peppery
Ginger
Pungent, warm, bright, citrusy
Grains of paradise
Peppery, warm, citrusy, faintly floral
Green cardamom
Floral, citrusy, sweet, cooling, aromatic
Guajillo chile
Tangy, fruity, berry-like, medium heat
Juniper
Piney, resinous, citrusy, bittersweet
Lemongrass
Bright, lemony, floral, grassy
Makrut lime leaf
Intense, floral, citrus-peel aroma
Shichimi togarashi
Spicy, citrusy, nutty, savory
Sichuan pepper
Citrusy, woody, tongue-tingling, numbing
Sumac
Tart, lemony, fruity, deep red
Tamarind
Sour, fruity, date-like, tangy
Za'atar
Herbal, tart, nutty, savory
Common questions
- What are citrusy spices?
- Coriander seed, Green cardamom, Lemongrass, Makrut lime leaf, Dried lime, and Sumac, among others.
- What other flavors do citrusy spices carry?
- The notes that stand out most are floral and bitter, read from the flavor profiles of the spices listed here.
- What is the strongest citrusy spice?
- Dried lime is one of the strongest here: sour, fermented, musty, intensely citrus. Add it early and taste as you go.