Spices of Europe

Paprika and caraway, herbes de Provence, mulled-wine and gingerbread spices, and the ports that once ran the spice trade. 29 spices on EveryMasala so far.

Spice cities, markets and growing areas

Blends of the region

Curry powder Quatre epices Herbes de Provence Mixed spice (pudding spice)Speculaas spice (speculoos)Mulled wine spices (Gluhwein)Lebkuchen spice (Lebkuchengewuerz)

Countries

🇦🇹 Austria and 5 moreCaraway The crescent-shaped fruit of a carrot-family herb, used to flavour breads and spirits.Seed · Anise and liquorice · Sharp and pungent

🇫🇷 France and 1 moreDijon mustardMoutarde de Dijon A sharp condiment made from brown mustard seeds and white wine or verjuice, originating in Burgundy.Sharp and pungent · Sour and tart

🇮🇹 Italy and 5 moreMustard A pungent paste made from ground mustard seeds mixed with liquid and spices.Paste · Sharp and pungent · Hot and fiery

🇬🇧 United Kingdom and 4 moreRock samphire A coastal succulent with peppery leaves and carrot-scented roots, used fresh or pickled.Leaf · Hot and fiery · Sharp and pungent

🇮🇹 ItalyMostardamostarda di frutta A northern Italian condiment of candied fruit in a sharp mustard syrupBlend · Sweet and mellow · Sharp and pungent

🇫🇷 France and 3 moreHerbes de Provenceèrbas de Provença A dried herb blend from southwestern France, now a global kitchen staple.Warm and sweet-spiced · Herbal and green

🇳🇱 Netherlands and 5 moreJuniper berry The fleshy seed cone of the juniper tree, a piney spice for game and gin.Sharp and pungent · Citrus and bright

🇬🇧 United Kingdom and 2 moreMixed spice A British blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for sweet bakingBlend · Warm and sweet-spiced · Sweet and mellow

🇮🇹 ItalyRed Sulmona GarlicAglio rosso di Sulmona A traditional garlic cultivar from the Abruzzo region of Italy, grown on the Sulmona plateau.Bulb · Sharp and pungent · Earthy and deep

🇮🇹 ItalyCommon thyme A woody Mediterranean herb with small grey-green leaves and a sharp, spicy-sweet flavour.Leaf · Sharp and pungent · Sweet and mellow

🇫🇷 France and 2 moreCorsican mint A tiny creeping mint from the Mediterranean islands, known for its strong peppermint scent and low-growing habit.Leaf · Sharp and pungent

🇫🇷 FranceSel gris A coarse, moist sea salt harvested from the bottom of French salt pans.Sharp and pungent · Earthy and deep

🇦🇹 Austria and 5 moreCaraway The crescent-shaped fruit of a carrot-family plant, used to flavour rye bread and spirits.Seed · Sharp and pungent · Anise and liquorice

🇩🇪 Germany and 4 moreHops The green female flower cones of a climbing vine, used to bitter and flavour beer.Flower · Bitter · Sharp and pungent

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

Rock samphire: User:Jymm, Public domain, source
Juniper berry: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 1.0, source
Red Sulmona Garlic: Marica Massaro, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Caraway: Slick, CC0, source
Corsican mint: SB Johnny, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Mixed spice: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Hops: LuckyStarr, CC BY 2.5, source
Mustard: Rainer Zenz, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Dijon mustard: Rainer Zenz ., CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Mostarda: Silvio, CC BY 2.0, source
Sel gris: Stéphane Gourichon, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Common thyme: Isidre blanc, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Herbes de Provence: Unknown author, CC BY 2.0, source