TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best 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
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.
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.
Galangal is a ginger-like root that is widely used in Thai and Indonesian cuisine as a flavoring or a spice, characterized by its pungent aroma. There are two varieties of galangal: greater galangal, which is lighter in color and with a more subtle aroma, used mostly in Thai cooking, and lesser galangal, which is native to China.
Galangal is hard and woody on the exterior, with a strong citrus scent on the inside. It gives a citrus note to numerous dishes, and it is an important ingredient in Thai curry pastes. Galangal can come in many forms: as fresh root, dried root, or ground into a fine powder.
THE BEST Galangal Spices
Krokos kozanis is a spice taken from the bulb stigmas of the saffron plant, part of the Iridaceae family. It is produced within the various municipal areas of Kozani, in the region of West Macedonia in the northern part of Greece.
The exclusive rights for the collection, distribution and packing of Greek Saffron is held by the Cooperative de Safran. Annual production depends upon weather conditions and ranges from 6 to 12 tons of pure red saffron per year. It takes 150,000 flowers to produce 1 kilogram of dried crocus stigmas and about 50,000 stigmas to obtain 100 grams of red saffron which makes saffron the most expensive spice in the world.
THE BEST Krokos Kozanis Saffrons
Despite its name, Sichuan pepper is actually not a pepper, but dried berry of a type of ash shrub that has a unique peppery and lemony aroma. It is characterized by its mouth-numbing properties, typical for numerous dishes from the Sichuan province of China.
Sichuan pepper is also one of the five ingredients in the famous Chinese five spice powder. The pepper is often ground or roasted, and is commonly used to make an infused oil. It appears in numerous dishes such as kung pao chicken, bang bang chicken, and dan dan noodles.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spice Producers in the World
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Pepper Field 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
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
AWARDS
Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2023
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
BEST Luxurients Herbs and Spices
Kadode Kampot Pepper UK specializes in producing high-quality Kampot pepper. The company sources its pepper from Kampot province in Cambodia, known for its ideal growing conditions for pepper plants. Kadode Kampot pepper is certified with Geographic Indication (GI) status, ensuring its origin and quality are officially recognized.
The company focuses on sustainable farming practices and fair trade, aiming to support local farmers and the community.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Kadode Kampot Pepper UK Herbs and Spices
Ausha is an England-based company that produces and distributes a range of organic and natural products, including Black Pepper. The company sources its Black Pepper directly from farmers and cooperatives to ensure ethical and sustainable practices.
Ausha emphasizes the purity and quality of their products. Their Black Pepper is often certified organic and free from additives and preservatives.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
BEST Ausha Herbs and Spices
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023
BEST Green Origins Coconut Oils
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best 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
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
Freeze-dried Fermented Kampot Pepper Flakes made by .pepper..field are a specialty spice product that involves the unique combination of freeze-drying and fermentation processes to enhance the flavor profile of Kampot pepper. These pepper flakes retain the distinct, rich, and complex taste of Kampot pepper due to the freeze-drying process, which preserves the essential oils and aromatic compounds.
The fermentation adds an extra layer of depth, introducing subtle umami notes that make these pepper flakes an exceptional choice for gourmet cooking and seasoning.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
Rubin Paprika Hot Smoked Hungarian Paprika Powder is produced by Best of Hungary Ltd., a company known for offering high-quality Hungarian food products. This specific paprika powder is made from premium Hungarian peppers that are carefully smoked over oak wood to impart a rich, smoky flavor with a hot, piquant kick.
The vibrant red powder not only enhances the taste of various dishes but also adds an appealing color. This paprika is a staple in Hungarian cuisine and works well in stews, marinades, and as a garnish for a variety of dishes.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
Organic Tellicherry Black Peppercorns 100g made by Ausha are a premium quality spice known for their robust flavor and aroma. These peppercorns are sourced from the Tellicherry region on the Malabar Coast of India, which is renowned for producing the finest pepper in the world.
The peppercorns are picked at their peak ripeness to ensure maximum flavor and are certified organic, ensuring that they are free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The product is packaged in a 100g quantity, making it convenient for home cooking and seasoning.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022
Whole Black Kampot Peppercorns made by Kadode Kampot Pepper UK c/o TLP are a premium spice known for their unique flavor and high quality. Harvested from the Kampot region in Cambodia, these peppercorns are renowned for their complex and robust taste, characterized by a blend of fruity and floral notes, combined with a hint of eucalyptus.
The peppercorns are meticulously handpicked and sun-dried, which helps to preserve their natural oils and rich aroma. Kadode Kampot Pepper UK ensures that each batch meets stringent quality standards, making these peppercorns a favored choice among culinary enthusiasts and professional chefs.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023, 2021
Black Kampot Pepper produced by .pepper..field is sourced from the Kampot region in Cambodia, known for its distinctive terroir that enhances the spice's flavor profile. This pepper is praised for its complex aroma, featuring earthy, floral, and slightly fruity notes.
The peppercorns are hand-picked and sun-dried, ensuring the highest quality. Certified as a geographical indication (GI) product, Black Kampot Pepper meets stringent cultivation and processing standards, making it highly sought after by chefs and food enthusiasts around the world.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
The Black Kampot Pepper - microlot from small farmers made by .pepper..field is a premium spice product renowned for its exceptional flavor and quality. Sourced from Kampot, Cambodia, this pepper is cultivated by small-scale farmers dedicated to traditional and sustainable farming practices.
The microlot designation indicates that the pepper comes from a specific and limited harvest, ensuring a unique and superior taste profile. This pepper is often celebrated for its fruity, floral, and slightly spicy notes, making it a favorite among culinary enthusiasts and gourmet chefs.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
White Kampot Pepper by .pepper..field is a premium variety of pepper known for its unique flavor profile and high quality. It originates from the Kampot region in Cambodia, which is renowned for its ideal growing conditions for pepper, including rich soil and a favorable climate.
This white pepper undergoes a special process where the outer black layer is removed, resulting in a milder, yet intricate flavor with hints of fresh grass and citrus. The meticulous cultivation and processing methods contribute to its reputation as one of the finest peppers available globally.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022
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 59 Spices in the World” list until April 27, 2025, 1,330 ratings were recorded, of which 681 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.