Seasonings

Seasonings are substances that are added to food to enhance its flavor. They can be added during the cooking process or at the table. Seasonings include herbs, spices, condiments, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

History

The use of seasonings dates back to ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians used herbs and spices in their cooking, as did the Ancient Greeks and Romans. In the Middle Ages, spices were a valuable commodity and were often used as a form of currency.

Types of Seasonings

Herbs

Herbs are plants with savory or aromatic properties that are used for flavoring food. They are typically used in their dried form, but can also be used fresh. Examples of herbs used as seasonings include basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

Spices

Spices are derived from the seeds, fruit, roots, bark, or other parts of a plant. They are typically used in their dried form and are often ground into a powder. Examples of spices used as seasonings include cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, and paprika.

Condiments

Condiments are substances such as sauce or seasoning added to food to impart a particular flavor or to complement the dish. Examples of condiments used as seasonings include ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and soy sauce.

Salt

Salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride. It is used in cooking as a seasoning, either by itself or in combination with other seasonings.

Pepper

Pepper is a spice obtained from the berries of the Piper nigrum plant. It is commonly used in cooking as a seasoning, either by itself or in combination with other seasonings.

See Also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of condiments
• Salt in cooking
• Pepper (spice)