Allspice

• Contrary to its name, allspice is not a collection of spices, but a single spice. It is used in baking, pates and terrines. Allspice is made from the dried fruit of the Pimenta dioica tree. While it is also known as a pimento, it is not the same type of pimento that is sometimes stuffed in green olives. Allspice is used in powdered form.

Anise

• Anise is a spice that comes from the seed of the anise plant. The anise plant grows wild in Mediterranean regions. The spice is available as a whole seed or ground powder. Its unique flavor gives candy a licorice flavor and is also used in baking and to make the alcoholic beverage absinthe. Anise is also used to flavor some cheeses.

Chili Powder

• Chili powder is made from dried chilies. Chili powder is a hot spice used to flavor chili and other recipes that require spicy heat. Instead of chili powder, there are also ground chilies, which are hotter than commercial chili powder (typically considered mild-hot). Some chefs prepare a version of chili powder by combining ground chili with cumin and garlic.

Ginger

• The ginger plant originally came from tropical Asia. The spice, ground from the dried root of the ginger plant, is a versatile seasoning used in cooking and baking. A popular spice in Chinese cooking, ginger is also commonly used in baking desserts. Ginger gives gingersnap cookies and gingerbread their distinct flavors.

Pepper

• According to “Spices of the World Cookbook” pepper is the most popular spice in the world. You can purchase pepper in a variety of forms: peppercorns, ground black pepper, coarsely ground black pepper, cracked black pepper and ground white pepper. Black pepper is obtained by picking the berries before they fully ripen on the vine. White pepper is made from berries that have been allowed to ripen on the vine, after their outer shells are removed.