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Your spice drawer is a treasure chest of zippy, zesty, sweet, savory and spicy flavors. One of the best qualities of herbs and spices is the variety of flavors you can add to foods without adding salt.

Here’s a guide on the flavor profiles of common spices and how to season with them. 

Basil

• Tastes somewhat sweet and earthy
• Delicious pairings: Any Italian food such as meatless lasagna or pasta with red sauce, Thai food such as a stir fry with lots of veggies and sprinkled with peanuts, fruit such as berries, peaches or apricots
• Extra tip: Add dried to a dish at least 15 minutes before it’s done cooking for full flavor. Add fresh right before serving to avoid flavor loss or wilting.

Cinnamon

• Tastes sweet and spicy
• Delicious pairings: Whole grain muffins, waffles, pancakes or breads and fruit crisps with oatmeal topping, Greek meat dishes such as lamb or beef stew with oregano and onions
• Extra tip: The natural sweetness means you can cut the amount of sugar in some recipes.

Cumin

• Tastes toasty and earthy with a little spice
• Delicious pairings: Mexican food such as black bean salsa or refried beans, fish such as tilapia, especially in fish tacos and root vegetables
• Extra tip: Cumin is also part of the Indian spice mix garam masala. It’s delicious when paired with coriander in Mexican or Indian food.

Curry powder

• A blend of spices usually including coriander, fenugreek, turmeric and cumin
• Delicious pairings: Indian food such as lentil potato stew, breakfast veggie and egg scramble, whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa with cilantro, and tuna with celery and no added sugar low-fat yogurt for a delicious sandwich
• Extra tip: Some curry powder can be hot and spicy. If you prefer a milder one (or a hotter one), look up a recipe online and make your own mix from spices in your spice drawer.

Rosemary

• Tastes woody
• Delicious pairings: Roasted meats such as chicken, pork, lamb or salmon, mushrooms, raw or cooked, whole grain breads, and butternut squash or pumpkin
• Extra tip: Long sticks of fresh rosemary can be used to brush marinades on meat or as a skewer stick for grilled kabobs.

Smoked paprika

• Tastes smoky and woody
• Delicious pairings: Egg dishes, spice rubs for meats or tofu, in fruit salsas such as mango, and tomato sauce
• Extra tip: Use it to add the smokiness of bacon to any dish without the extra fat or salt.

Thyme

• Tastes earthy
• Delicious pairings: Any bean dish, blends well with bay leaves, parsley or lemon zest, and roasted vegetables
• Extra tip: Lightly crush dried leaves between your fingers when adding to a dish to release the flavor.