As a person who cooks more or less often, you probably have all the classic spices in your spice rack: salt, pepper, thyme, basil… But did you know you can take your cooking up to a whole new level by getting some rarer spices? Here are three that will totally change your cooking game.
Sumac
A middle Eastern staple, sumac has a tart, savory, lemony flavor that makes it a great way to give your dish a brightness or replace lemon juice if you haven’t got any on hand. Use it as a meat rub, salad seasoning, or sprinkle it on some hummus for a tart flavor and bright red pop of color.
Black Cardamom
Black cardamom is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine, though you can also use it in sweet, baked recipes like apple pie. It’s got a smokey flavor with a minty, menthol kick.
Juniper Berries
With a distinct piney, fruity, peppery flavor, juniper berries are responsible for the taste of gin, but you can also use them in your cooking for game dishes like duck or venison. A common ingredient in German food, juniper berries makes a great addition to sauerkraut.
