What are seasonings and spices?

Seasonings and spices are ingredients that add flavor and aroma to foods. However, although they are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between them.

Condiments

Condiments are ingredients used to season foods and increase their flavor. They are often used in small quantities and added at the end of the cooking process. The most common seasonings include salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, mustard and oil.

Spices

Spices, on the other hand, are dried plant substances that are added to foods to give them a characteristic flavor. The spices are can use whole or ground and added at the beginning of the cooking process. Some common spices include cinnamon, cumin, ginger, saffron, curry, and paprika, among others.

What is the difference?

The main difference between seasonings and spices is that seasonings are used to enhance flavor of food, while spices are used to give flavor and characteristic aroma to foods. In addition, seasonings are added at the end of cooking, while spices are added at the beginning so that their flavors integrate with the other ingredients.

What benefits do spices and seasonings have?

Both seasonings and spices have healthy properties. Some of the benefits of spices like ginger, turmeric and cinnamon include His properties anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, while spices such as garlic and onion have antibacterial properties.

Some ways to use seasonings and spices in cooking are:

• Add cinnamon and ginger to fruit smoothies to give them a spicy and sweet flavor.
• Add curry to stews to give them a spicy and warm flavor.
• Add oregano and thyme to soups to give them an aromatic flavor.
• Add salt and pepper to meats before cooking to enhance their flavor.

In short, seasonings and spices are common ingredients in cooking that add flavor and aroma to foods. Although they are often used interchangeably, it is important to remember that seasonings are used to enhance the flavor of foods, while spices are used to give them a characteristic and aromatic flavor.

You may also be interested in this related content:

• Difference between onion and shallot
• Difference between dextrin and maltodextrin
• Difference between gelato and ice cream