Spices of Europe

Paprika and caraway, herbes de Provence, mulled-wine and gingerbread spices, and the ports that once ran the spice trade. 28 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

🇮🇹 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

🇫🇷 France and 1 moreEspelette pepperpiment d'Espelette A mild Basque chili with sweet, fruity notes and protected origin status.Chilli · Sweet and mellow · Hot and fiery

🇫🇷 France and 5 moreFleur de sel A hand-raked crust of sea salt crystals gathered from evaporation pans.Earthy and deep

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

🇮🇹 Italy and 1 moreFriggitello A mild sweet Italian chilli often pickled, known for its complex flavour and slight heat.Sweet and mellow · Hot and fiery

🇪🇸 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

🇪🇸 SpainPiquillo pepperpimientos del piquillo A sweet, mild red chili cultivar from Northern Spain, prized for its thick flesh and gentle heat.Chilli · Sweet and mellow · Warm and sweet-spiced

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

🇬🇷 GreeceFlorina pepperπιπεριά Φλωρίνης A sweet, horn-shaped red pepper from northern Greece with Protected Designation of Origin status.Fruit · Sweet and mellow

🇲🇦 Morocco and 2 morePeppermint A hybrid mint with a sharp cooling taste, used in teas, oils, and flavourings.Leaf 🇫🇷 FranceRomenay pepperpiment de Romenay A compact, mild French chili cultivated in the historical province of Bresse.Chilli · Hot and fiery

🇷🇺 Russia and 5 moreChives The hollow leaves and purple flowers of a widespread perennial herb in the onion family.Leaf

🇦🇹 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

Photo credits on this page

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

Mixed spice: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Caraway: Slick, CC0, source
Rock samphire: User:Jymm, Public domain, source
Chives: Jamain, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Piquillo pepper: sindändùne -, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Mustard: Rainer Zenz, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Fleur de sel: Fleur de Sel sea salt. Ile de Re 2005, personal photograph., CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Mostarda: Silvio, CC BY 2.0, source
Friggitello: User:CFang, Public domain, source
Paprika Tap de Cortí: Berin, CC BY 3.0, source
Herbes de Provence: Unknown author, CC BY 2.0, source
Sel gris: Stéphane Gourichon, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Florina pepper: https://www.aglaiakremezi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Peppers-pan-S, CC0, source
Peppermint: Unknown author, CC BY 3.0, source
Espelette pepper: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, source