Best Herb/Spice Types in the World
Pimentón de la Vera is the smoked paprika that has been produced exclusively in the La Vera valley, in the province of Cáceres since the 16th century. This vibrant red spice is made by grinding dried peppers into a fragrant, spicy, smoky powder.
It became popular in the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors brought the peppers back from Mexico as a gift for the king and queen of Spain. In autumn, after harvesting, the finest peppers are hanged on strings and are left to dry. They are then smoked using oak wood for two weeks, thus intensifying both their flavor and color.
THE BEST Pimentón de la Vera Paprikas
Merquén or merkén is a Chilean spice made with a long, pointed chili pepper called aji, caciocavra, cacho de cabra, or goat’s horn pepper as the key ingredient. The peppers are grown throughout the Araucanía region and are picked in February, when they turn from green to red.
They are then dried in the sun until they develop a violet color. The dried peppers are smoked, then hung from ceilings over a wood fire. After the second drying in the sun, these peppers are ground in a stone mortar or in an automatic grinder. The powder is combined with smoked coriander seeds and sea salt, and the spice blend should contain at least 70% of the powder and no more than 20% salt.
Azafrán de la Mancha is a saffron grown in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha. It is a spice produced by drying the stigmas of the Crocus Sativus, L. plant. It has a floral and slightly bitter flavor and gives the dishes it is cooked in a bright gold yellow color.
Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world, with the price higher than that of gold, due to the laborious process of its harvesting. To preserve its subtle flavor, saffron grown in La Mancha is never sold powdered, but exclusively in the form of whole threads.
This unique paprika product is made under strict quality measures by grinding the dried pods of deep, silky red pepper plants of different varieties. The peppers must be ground uniformly and the aroma is spicy and pleasant, comparable to that of roasted seeds.
It has a sweet, fruity taste, and the higher the capsaicin content in the peppers, the hotter the final product will be. The ground paprika is then packed and sold, and used mainly as a spice in a variety of dishes including stews, on eggs, fish, pasta, potatoes, and in marinades for roasted meat.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Garam masala is an intensely aromatic blend of ground spices such as cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns. Its name can be literally translated as hot ingredients, and is sometimes described as an aromatic blend that is meant to heat the body.
This spice blend has origins in Northern India, where winters are typically colder than in the rest of the country. The spices used in garam masala vary from region to region, but no combination of spices is believed to be more authentic than another.
THE BEST Garam masala Spice Blends and Seasonings
The fragrant Genovese basil is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), traditionally grown in the Ligurian provinces of Genoa, Savona and Imperia. It has an intense clove aroma and it is widely known for being an essential ingredient of the famous Pesto alla Genovese sauce.
Even though it is available dried, Genovese basil is most often used fresh, added to various dishes at the last moment, in order to preserve its exceptional flavor.
THE BEST Basilico Genovese Basils
The powdered Szegedi paprika spice is made by grinding the pods of the pepper plants. Its colour is a vivid, fiery red and its aroma is strong and spicy, similar to those of baked vegetables. Once tasted, the flavour is sweet, mellow and spicy but pleasant and not too hot, due to the fact that the capsaicin amount is not above 100mg/kg.
In some hotter varieties of Szegedi paprika, the capsaicin amount is higher, so the paprika is also a lot hotter in taste. It is so popular in Hungary that it even has its own museum, and is typically used as a seasoning in hearty stews, goulash or sprinkled on meat.
The Mexican region of Chinantla is the only place in the world where wild vanilla grows. Known locally as colibrí, these orchid vines grow in the heart of the forest, using moderate-size trees like citrus, cocoa, and calabash (jícara) trees for support.
Once they have been collected, vanilla beans are traditionally sealed in bags, then left in the sun for 5 hours a day over 15 days. The process results in tender, fragrant berries with an appetizing coffee color. In the past, the fruit wasn’t used for cooking because it was offered to the Aztec emperor Montezuma as a tribute, while women combined it with mamey seed oil in order to make their hair shiny.
THE BEST Chinantla Vanilla Vanillas
Sansho pepper is a Japanese spice characterized by its prized aromatic peppercorns, green color, and a floral, tangy, lemon-like flavor. It is a part of the famous seven Japanese spices and is closely related to Sichuan pepper.
The shrub is grown in Japan, but also in China and North Korea. Traditionally, sansho is used as a seasoning for fish and barbecue dishes, or sprinkled over unagi grilled eel. It pairs extremely well with other spices such as sesame and ginger.
THE BEST Sansho Pepper Peppercorns
Ceylon cinnamon is traditionally harvested from a tree that is native to Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, hence the botanical name of this health-beneficial spice. This cinnamon type is sweeter and more delicate than cinnamon cassia, the other main type of cinnamon.
It has a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism and body weight, and contains antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which are also found in grapes and green tea. Unlike cinnamon cassia, Ceylon cinnamon does not contain coumarin – a natural plant chemical that is toxic to the kidneys and liver, and it might also be carcinogenic.
Best Herb/Spice Producers in the World
Pure Luck is a cheese producer located in Dripping Springs, Texas. This family-run farm specializes in handmade goat cheeses, focusing on sustainable farming practices. They produce a variety of cheeses, including fresh chevre, feta, and several aged varieties.
Pure Luck also operates as a working farm, raising certified organic herbs and flowers.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2001, 2000
Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best
2023
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
Eaten Alive is a London-based producer specializing in spice blends and seasonings. The company is known for its fermented hot sauces and kimchi, utilizing natural fermentation processes to create complex and unique flavors. Eaten Alive emphasizes the use of high-quality, natural ingredients in its products.
The company was founded by chefs who bring their culinary expertise to the creation of their spice blends and seasonings.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
BEST Eaten Alive Herbs and Spices
Rubin Paprika is a renowned producer of paprika-based seasonings based in Szeged, Hungary. Their product range includes high-quality offerings such as sweet and hot ground paprika, smoked paprika, paprika seed oil, chili flakes, and organic (BIO) paprika, available in both sweet and hot varieties.
Rubin Paprika is dedicated to preserving traditional production methods while adhering to modern quality and food safety standards. Their products are highly regarded both domestically and internationally, contributing to the global recognition of Hungarian culinary traditions.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023, 2021
BEST Rubin Paprika Herbs and Spices
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
BEST Sara Saffron Herbs and Spices
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
BEST Hop & Roll Herbs and Spices
Best Herbs and Spices in the World
Whole Young Green Kampot Peppercorns made by Kadode Kampot Pepper UK c/o TLP are a premium spice product known for their distinctive and aromatic flavor. These peppercorns are sourced from the Kampot region in Cambodia, which is renowned for producing some of the finest pepper in the world.
The green peppercorns are harvested while they are still young, which imparts a fresh and zesty taste profile. They can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including sauces, marinades, and gourmet dishes, adding a unique and complex flavor.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023
Fresh Green Kampot Pepper with a hint of Fleur de Sel by .pepper..field is a gourmet culinary product that blends the vibrant, aromatic quality of fresh green Kampot pepper with the subtle, complex flavor of Fleur de Sel, a premium hand-harvested sea salt.
This combination highlights the distinct, zesty spice of the pepper while enhancing its natural flavors with a delicate burst of minerality from the salt. The product is celebrated for its exceptional quality, thanks to the traditional farming methods and meticulous hand-picking of the peppercorns in Kampot, Cambodia, a region renowned for its superior pepper.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
Fermented Black Pepper made by Ausha is a distinctive spice that combines the pungency of black pepper with the depth of umami derived from a fermentation process. The fermentation enhances the pepper's flavors and introduces mellow, complex notes, making it a versatile ingredient for culinary use.
The process is thought to help retain more of the pepper's natural oils and beneficial compounds, potentially offering enhanced health benefits compared to regular black pepper.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
Rubin Paprika Hungarian Hand-Selected Sweet Szegedi Paprika is a premium spice product crafted by Best of Hungary Ltd. This paprika is renowned for its rich, sweet flavor and distinctive deep red color. It is made using carefully hand-selected peppers from the Szeged region, which is famous for its high-quality paprika production.
The peppers are traditionally sun-dried and ground to produce a fine, vibrant powder that enhances a variety of culinary dishes with its unique taste and aroma.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
Rubin Paprika Hungarian Hot Szegedi Paprika is produced by Best of Hungary Ltd. This premium Hungarian paprika is sourced from the Szeged region, which is renowned for its rich, fertile soil and perfect climate conditions that contribute to the paprika's distinctive flavor and color.
This product is known for its vibrant red hue and a spicy kick that enhances a wide range of dishes. Traditionally, it is used in classic Hungarian recipes such as goulash, paprikash, and various stews. Rubin Paprika is made from carefully selected, dried, and ground peppers, ensuring high quality and consistency in every batch.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
BoTree Kampot Pepper Black 90g is a premium variety of black peppercorns produced by Bo Tree Farm. This pepper is unique to the Kampot region of Cambodia, renowned for its ideal growing conditions that impart a distinct flavor profile to the peppercorns.
This product emphasizes a strong, sharp taste with hints of eucalyptus and mint. The 90g packaging serves as a convenient size for culinary enthusiasts looking to enhance their dishes with a gourmet touch. The BoTree Kampot Pepper Black is celebrated for its quality, receiving Protected Geographical Indication status, which verifies its origin and authenticity.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
Super Negin Saffron by Sara Saffron is known for its premium quality and distinct rich aroma. This variety of saffron is carefully harvested to include the finest part of the saffron threads, which are longer and more robust. The unique harvesting and drying process ensures that Super Negin Saffron retains its vibrant red color and potent flavor profile, making it a preferred choice for culinary uses.
The saffron is often used in gourmet cooking, providing both color and a complex taste to dishes.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
The Rusty BBQ Company's Toasted Sri Lankan Curry Rub is an aromatic blend designed to bring the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine to your grill. This rub typically includes a mix of toasted spices like coriander, cumin, fennel, and cinnamon, combined with curry leaves and other traditional ingredients to create a complex, vibrant flavor profile.
It can be used on a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, and even on vegetables, to enhance their taste with a signature blend of spice and warmth.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Herbs and Spices in the World” list until March 26, 2025, 3,910 ratings were recorded, of which 2,055 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.