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Herbs & Spices Worth Discovering
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items This isn’t a list of pantry basics or must-have staples—this is about flavor finds. The kinds of herbs and spices that surprised me, delighted me, or instantly made themselves at home in my kitchen.
From the mountains of North Carolina to the tropical tastes I fell in love with in South Florida, each pick has a story and a spark. You’ll find local blends with a cause, gourmet indulgences from specialty markets, teas that change color, and spic...
Some I grow, most I buy, all are well-loved—and I hope at least one becomes a new favorite of yours too. Please Note: Some of the links in this list are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if y...
From the mountains of North Carolina to the tropical tastes I fell in love with in South Florida, each pick has a story and a spark. You’ll find local blends with a cause, gourmet indulgences from specialty markets, teas that change color, and spic...
Some I grow, most I buy, all are well-loved—and I hope at least one becomes a new favorite of yours too. Please Note: Some of the links in this list are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if y...
Sections
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Made with Love (and Spice) in Asheville: Spicewalla
Seasoned Smart: My Favorite Finds from Savory Spice
The Flavor Lab: Spiceology & the Science of Spice
A Neighborly Discovery: The Spice HouseNew Section
Spice Surprises: Keep Your Eyes (and Nose) Open
Made with Love (and Spice) in Asheville: Spicewalla
I first stumbled into the Spicewalla retail store in Asheville—and left with far more than I planned. Now I stop in regularly, and always find something new to try or gift. Their blends carry that unmistakable mountain-town creativity, with local col...
🛍️ Based in Asheville, Spicewalla offers chef-driven blends, vibrant individual spices, and fun curated collections. You’ll find everything from bold taco seasonings to baking blends to their locally made “Made with Love in Asheville” collection. Th...
Spicewalla Retail Store & Shop Online
🌄 This one’s dear to me. A flavorful tribute to Asheville’s food scene—and a charitable one, too. Ten local chefs and makers collaborated on this spice set, and a portion of sales supports three WNC nonprofits. A great gift, a taste of home, and a ...
10-Pack Made with Love in Asheville Collection - Limited Edition!
🌼 If Earl Grey ran away to the mountains, this would be the result. Organic black tea and bergamot meet calendula flowers grown nearby. It’s bright, citrusy, and a little rebellious—like Asheville itself. A fresh twist on a timeless tea. (affil...
Asheville Grey - Asheville Tea Company
I wasn’t familiar with golden milk until a friend introduced me to it—and now I understand the appeal. These cozy Spicewalla blends built around turmeric, ginger, and warming spices create comforting cups perfect for cool evenings. We’re even trying ...
3 Pack Golden Milk Collection
🌶️ Discovered at a friend’s pizza party and instantly a favorite. This chili oil is smooth, rich, and gently warming—not hot, just full of flavor. It’s the kind of balanced, aromatic finish that works on everything from pizza to a simple piece of br...
Fiera Flavors - Chili Oil (Original)
🌮 No Taco Tuesday required—these taquería-inspired blends bring the fun anytime. I’ve gifted this set more than once and always get invited to the party. Bold, bright, and ready for seasoning up anything from street tacos to roasted veggies. (...
3 Pack Taco Collection
🔥 Deep and smoky with just the right kick of campfire—this is one of those individual spices I keep restocking. Adds instant warmth and color to stews, roasted veg, and anything needing that savory edge. (affiliate link)
Paprika, Smoked
❤️ Sweet, rich, and essential. Maybe it’s my Slavic roots, but paprika has a permanent place in my spice cabinet—and this one earns it with depth and balance. Excellent in everything from goulash to eggs. Bola and Jacaranda peppers, and has more vege...
Paprika, Spanish
Seasoned Smart: My Favorite Finds from Savory Spice
Savory Spice was a happy online discovery. What sets them apart is how they educate as they offer—each listing comes with flavor profiles, usage tips, and “try me” sizes that let you explore without overstocking. I’ve come to trust them for quality, ...
📚 A spice shop that’s as informative as it is flavorful. You’ll find small sizes for sampling, full blends ready to cook entire meals, and smart descriptions that help you use what you buy. Perfect for curious cooks and careful spenders alike. ...
Online Spice Store: Shop 400+ Spices and Seasonings
🍄 My newest discovery and an instant favorite. Inspired by French duxelles, this salt-free blend combines shiitake, portobello, oyster, and white button mushrooms with shallots, lemon, and herbs. It adds savory richness to anything from risottos to ...
Four Mushroom Umami Blend (Salt-Free)
🌿 Yes, I grow my own basil, thyme, oregano, and even garlic—but this blend still earns a spot on my shelf. The lemon and garlic give it a vibrant kick that lifts everything from pasta to grilled chicken. A must-have when fresh herbs aren’t in arm’s ...
Cantanzaro Herbs (Italian Seasoning with Garlic and Lemon)
🌊 This sea salt infused with Italian black truffles is one of my secret weapons. Sprinkle on roasted potatoes, steak, or even scrambled eggs to turn the everyday into something special. (affiliate link)
Italian Black Truffle Sea Salt
🥃 Can’t fire up the smoker? This hand-smoked cracked peppercorn brings grill vibes indoors. Smoked over oak staves from real whiskey barrels, it adds depth and edge to meats, roasted veggies, or even a bold Caesar salad. (affiliate link)
Whiskey Barrel Smoked Black Pepper
☕ For a warm, cozy cup of homemade chai, this blend brings the café to your kitchen. Crystallized ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon, bay leaves, star anise, and more—it’s everything you need, minus the black tea. I mix it with Assam and milk for a crea...
Chai Spices
The Flavor Lab: Spiceology & the Science of Spice
I’m drawn to bold flavors and clever twists, and that’s exactly what Spiceology delivers. Their “Periodic Table of Flavor®” caught my eye—and their imaginative blends keep me coming back. These are the kinds of spices that make you want to cook just ...
🧪 Known for their inventive, small-batch blends, Spiceology makes experimenting with flavor fun. You’ll find unique combinations, detailed flavor notes, and plenty of chef inspiration. Their visual “flavor table” helps guide adventurous cooks and ma...
Spiceology – Shop Fresh Spices and Seasonings
🌴 Having lived in South Florida for years, I developed a real love for tropical flavor. Now living in the mountains, this blend brings it all back: heat from cayenne and scotch bonnet peppers, sweetness from brown sugar, and unexpected warmth from c...
Jamaican Jerk Caribbean Seasoning
📘 This is a book I find myself returning to. It breaks spices down into “flavor families” and even arranges them on a periodic table-style grid—making it a perfect companion to my Spiceology finds. Whether you’re a curious cook or just love learning...
The Science of Spice: Understand Flavour Connections and Revolutionize Your Cooking
Definitely a fun gift for popcorn lovers, but these blends bring flavor far beyond movie night. From sweet to savory to spicy, there’s a little something for everyone—and chances are everyone will discover a favorite.
Popcorn Seasoning Variety Pack
A Neighborly Discovery: The Spice HouseNew Section
Sometimes a new discovery comes by way of a neighbor. I was recently introduced to The Spice House and soon found plenty to explore, from interesting blends to familiar spices that brought back memories. I was especially intrigued by their Flatpacks—...
Recently introduced to me by a neighbor, The Spice House offers individual spices, signature blends and plenty of opportunities to wander into flavors you may not have been looking for. Their Flatpack option especially caught my attention, making it ...
The Spice House
A clever idea for both exploring and refilling. These resealable, space-saving pouches can be used as they are or poured into spice jars you already own—and Flatpacks ship free, even individually. A convenient way to replace just what you need or tak...
Flatpack Spices
Ground Allspice Berries
This one comes with a memory. I once had an allspice tree growing in my South Florida backyard, so finding ground Jamaican allspice here immediately caught my attention. Warm, sweet and aromatic, it carries hints reminiscent o...
Ground Allspice Berries
My introduction to this blend was sprinkled over fish, and that was enough to make me take notice. Shallots and herbs bring a delicate savory flavor that complements rather than overwhelms. Fish may have been my first taste, but chicken and vegetable...
Parisian Shallot Herb Blend
Spice Surprises: Keep Your Eyes (and Nose) Open
Some of the best finds aren’t planned—they’re stumbled upon in the specialty aisle of your favorite market or tucked into a gourmet section online. These next picks are proof that it pays to be curious.
🍷 A seasonal discovery waiting to happen. Familiar yet often overlooked, these mulling spices bring warmth, fragrance, and spice to wine or cider. Ideal for anyone curious about adding a little autumnal or holiday flair to their kitchen routine. ...
Mulling Spice
💛 Hand-harvested from Persian crocus flowers, these delicate saffron strands are prized for a reason. Just a pinch brings golden color, rich aroma, and deep flavor to rice, fish, or stews. It’s the kind of ingredient that feels ceremonial every time...
Cucina & Amore Saffron Sargol Strands
Who knew chili peppers could be so elegant? These fine crimson threads bring color, texture, and a mild warmth that instantly elevates everything from stir-fries to salads. One of those delightful discoveries that proves spices can be as decorative a...
La Boite Chili Threads
🍄 Truffle flavor, anytime. This powdery zest made with black summer truffles upgrades everything—soups, pastas, even popcorn. It’s gourmet without the fuss, and a little goes a long way. (affiliate link)
Sabatino Tartufi Truffle Zest Seasoning
🌍 A passport for your taste buds. This set of 15 herbs and spices takes you from France’s herbs de Provence to Italy’s oregano and crushed red pepper, Spain’s smoked paprika, and the Levant’s za’atar. Each blend is fresh, flavorful, and ready to pai...
Gourmet Oil Dipping Spice Kit
Some spice discoveries turn up in the most unexpected places. These beer-infused rubs bring two cookout favorites together, pairing bold BBQ seasonings with the flavors of lager, pilsner, brown ale and more. In North Carolina, where barbecue is pract...
Derek Wolf Beer-Infused Rubs 6-Pack | Spiceology
🧪 A playful way to explore global flavor through spice rubs. This set includes twelve blends inspired by cuisines and cravings from around the world—from savory Black & Bleu and bold Cowboy Crust to sweet-heat favorites like Raspberry Chipotle a...
Periodic Table of Flavor® Rub Set
🌿 Everything you need to grow fresh flavor at home—100% certified organic. This complete kit includes heirloom seeds for sweet basil, Italian parsley, sage, cilantro, and thyme, along with the supplies to get them started indoors. Perfect for year-r...
The Farmer's Organic Indoor Herb Garden
🍹Happy hour starts in your garden. Six seed packets—thyme, lavender, Thai basil, mint, lemon balm, and blue borage—come with starter soil, plant stakes, and growing instructions, all tucked into a recycled egg carton. Once they’ve sprouted, transfer...
Cocktail Grow Kit
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