Herbal
The clearest herbal spices and herbs are Ajwain, Za'atar, Cilantro, Curry leaf, Dill, and Juniper, most of them carrying bitter and citrusy notes alongside. Green, leafy, garden notes: oregano, thyme, basil, mint, dill.
Ajwain
Sharp, thyme-like, pungent, bitter
Basil
Sweet, peppery, clove and anise
Bay leaf
Herbal, piney, faintly tea-like, subtle
Caraway
Sharp, warm, anise, faintly citrus
Celery seed
Savory, grassy, bitter, concentrated celery
Chervil
Delicate, sweet, faintly anise, fresh
Chives
Mild, fresh, oniony, grassy
Cilantro
Bright, citrusy, pungent, fresh
Crab boil seasoning
Savory, celery-forward, peppery, briny
Curry leaf
Nutty, citrusy, savory, faintly bitter
Dill
Fresh, grassy, citrusy, faintly anise
Epazote
Pungent, savory, resinous, petrol-herbal
Fennel seed
Sweet, warm, gentle licorice
Green peppercorn
Fresh, bright, mild, herbaceous pepper
Herbes de Provence
Herbal, savory, floral, sun-dried
Jerk seasoning
Warm, fiery, herbal, allspice-forward
Juniper
Piney, resinous, citrusy, bittersweet
Khmeli suneli
Herbal, warm, savory, blue-fenugreek
Marjoram
Sweet, mild, floral, gently warm
Mint
Cool, sweet, green, menthol
Oregano
Herbal, peppery, slightly bitter, aromatic
Parsley
Fresh, grassy, clean, lightly peppery
Rosemary
Piney, resinous, warm, lemony
Sage
Savory, earthy, piney, slightly musty
Savory
Peppery, savory, thyme-like, herbal
Tarragon
Sweet, anise, grassy, delicate
Thyme
Herbal, savory, minty, peppery
Za'atar
Herbal, tart, nutty, savory
Common questions
- What are herbal spices?
- Ajwain, Za'atar, Cilantro, Curry leaf, Dill, and Juniper, among others.
- What other flavors do herbal spices carry?
- The notes that stand out most are bitter and citrusy, read from the flavor profiles of the spices listed here.
- What is the strongest herbal spice?
- Ajwain is one of the strongest here: sharp, thyme-like, pungent, bitter. Add it early and taste as you go.
- What is the mildest herbal spice?
- Chervil sits at the gentle end: delicate, sweet, faintly anise, fresh. It seasons without taking over.