Seeds of the world

Seeds: small ridged ovals, whole or toasted. Cumin, fennel, coriander, mustard and many more.

Seeds are the most common form of spice. Cumin, coriander, mustard, fennel, fenugreek, nigella and sesame are all seeds, kept whole for months and ground or toasted when needed.

What they are

A spice seed is the dried ripe seed of a plant, often from the carrot, mustard or legume families. Some, such as cumin and fennel, are really dry fruits that hold a seed, but they are sold and used as seeds. Their oils sit inside a hard coat, which is why whole seeds keep their aroma well.

How they are used

Cooks toast seeds in a dry pan, fry them in hot oil or ghee in a tempering, or grind them into powder. Mustard seeds pop in hot oil, cumin turns nutty, and coriander becomes sweeter when toasted. Seeds are also pressed for oil, as with mustard and sesame.

Buying and keeping

Buy whole seeds and grind small amounts. Keep them in a closed jar away from light and heat. They keep their character for a year or more, while ground seed fades within months. A good seed smells strong when rubbed between the fingers.

Seed on EveryMasala

The spices written up so far, best known first.

🇮🇳 India and 4 moreFennel The anise-scented seeds and crisp bulb of a Mediterranean perennial herbSeed · Anise and liquorice · Sweet and mellow

🇮🇩 Indonesia and 3 moreNutmeg The dried seed of a tropical evergreen tree, prized for its warm, pungent flavor.Seed · Warm and sweet-spiced · Sweet and mellow

🇲🇽 Mexico and 5 moreAnnatto The orange-red pigment from achiote seeds used as a natural food coloring and mild spice.Seed · Earthy and deep · Sweet and mellow

🇦🇺 AustraliaWattleseed The edible seed of Australian Acacia trees, traditionally ground into flour by Aboriginal Australians.Seed · Sweet and mellow · Earthy and deep 🇸🇰 SlovakiaPaprika Žitava A sweet red spice from Slovakia's Danubian Lowland, ground with a special stone to release its colour.Seed · Sweet and mellow

🇲🇽 Mexico and 5 morePaprika A red powder made from dried Capsicum annuum peppers, used to colour and flavour dishes across Europe and the Middle EasSeed · Sweet and mellow · Hot and fiery

🇹🇷 Turkey and 2 moreMahleb A ground cherry seed used to sweeten Middle Eastern baked goods with an almond-cherry note.Seed · Sweet and mellow · Bitter

🇮🇳 IndiaAmchoorआमचूर A sour powder made from dried unripe green mangoes, used to add tang to Indian dishes.Seed · Sour and tart · Citrus and bright

🇪🇸 SpainPaprika Tap de CortíPimentón de Mallorca A sweet, sun-dried ground pepper from the Balearic Islands, prized for its deep red colour and antioxidant properties.Seed · Sweet and mellow · Earthy and deep

🇮🇳 India and 5 moreFenugreekحلبة (hilba) The cuboid seed of an annual legume, prized for its bitter warmth and maple aroma.Seed · Bitter · Warm and sweet-spiced

🇪🇬 Egypt and 3 moreAnise The sweet, licorice-flavored seed of an annual herb from the Mediterranean basin.Seed · Sweet and mellow · Anise and liquorice

Seeds