Flavor Profiles

When using spices and herbs, don’t think in terms of which herbs go with what foods. Think in terms of flavor profiles.  As you begin to understand the flavors, you will be better able to blend delicious combinations based on your own family’s preferences.

Below is a short list of flavors.

Herb / Spice	Flavor
Allspice	Sweet
Basil	Licorice / cloves
Bay leaf	Piney
Caraway	Tangy / licorice
Cardamom	Sweet
Cayenne	Hotter than black or white
Chervil	Licorice, parsley substitute
Chives	Onion
Cilantro (coriander)	Pungent, soapy to some
Cinnamon	Sweet or hot
Cloves	Licorice
Cumin	Spicy, pairs with chilies
Dill	Tangy, dry aftertaste
Dried chili	Hottest
Fennel (anise)	Licorice
Garlic	Pungent
Ginger	Pungent
Mint	Spicy / sweet, menthol
Mustard	Hot – brings out other flavors
Nutmeg	Sweet & pungent
Oregano	Bitter
Paprika	Mild peppery
Parsley	Peppery
Pepper	Hot
Poppy seeds	Sweet
Rosemary	Piney w / lemon
Saffron	Medicinal
Sage	Musty mint
Savory	Cross between thyme & mint
Sesame	Minl
Tarragon	Licorice
Thyme	Pungent, mint / lemon
Turmeric	Dye properties
Vanilla	sweet