Are you tired of using the same old spices in your cooking? Why not try something new? In this blog post, we've compiled a list of the top 7 spice innovations that are sure to elevate your dishes. From unique spice mix to flavor bombs, we've got you covered. Get ready to spice up your culinary game with these exciting and delicious options. 

1. SMOKED SPICES

Paprika is one of the famous smoked spices of today. Photo by tetianacherny. 

Smoked spices are exactly what they sound like - spices that have been smoked over wood or charcoal to infuse them with a smoky flavor. This process can take hours, but the resulting flavor is well worth the effort. Some popular smoked spices include smoked paprika, smoked salt, and smoked cinnamon. Smoked spices are perfect for adding depth and complexity to dishes like BBQ, chili, and roasted vegetables. These spice mixes can also be used to enhance the flavor of marinades, rubs, and sauces.

2. LIQUID SPICES

Different spice liquids are also popular spice innovations. Photo by organicdenmark.com 

Liquid spices are concentrated forms of spices that are extracted or infused into liquid mediums such as oils, vinegars, or extracts. These liquid forms offer convenience and easy integration into recipes, providing intense flavors without the need for grinding or using whole spices. Examples are chili liquid spice, cinnamon liquid spice, ginger liquid spice and a lot more. It offers concentrated flavor profiles and are convenient options for those seeking the intense taste of spices in a readily usable form.

3. FLAVOR BOMBS

Spices are made into ice to create flavor bombs. Photo by Wavebreakme. 

It refers to a concentrated mixture of ingredients that are packed with intense flavors. These flavor bombs can be added to various dishes to enhance their taste and provide a burst of flavor. They are typically created by blending together different ingredients and freezing them into small portions like ice cube trays or candy molds, making them convenient to use when needed. They can be customized based on the desired taste profile and added to recipes to create a memorable culinary experience. Examples are Cilantro Lime Bombs, Lemon Herb Bombs and Smoky Spicy Bombs. 

4. INFUSED OILS

Infused oils with different spices. Photo by moken78. 

Spiced oil infusions are a type of culinary technique that involves combining herbs, spices, and other flavoring agents with oil to create a flavorful blend. This infusion process allows the oil to take on the flavors and aromas of the added ingredients, resulting in a unique and complex taste profile. The infusion can be done by heating the oil and spices over low heat to release the flavors or by simply combining the ingredients and allowing them to steep over time. Examples of spiced oil infusions include garlic-infused olive oil, rosemary-infused grapeseed oil, and chili-infused sesame oil. Other popular spices and herbs used in infusions include thyme, basil, cinnamon, ginger, and cumin. 

5. FERMENTED SPICES

Pickles soaked with different spices to add flavor to dishes. 

Fermented spices are a type of seasoning that undergoes a natural fermentation process to enhance their flavor and preserve them for longer periods. This process involves the use of live bacteria or yeast cultures to break down the carbohydrates and proteins present in the spices, resulting in a unique flavor profile. Examples of popular fermented spices include soy sauce, miso paste, and fish sauce. Other fermented spices include kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles. 

6. COMPOUND BUTTER

Frozen herb butter with different spices. Photo by ahanov-michael 

Compound butter, also known as flavored butter or "beurre composé", is a mixture of butter and various ingredients like herbs, spices, citrus zest, garlic, or other flavorings. It is a versatile and easy-to-make ingredient that can elevate the taste of various dishes. Popular examples are Garlic Herb Butter, Lemon Dill Butter, Chili Lime Butter and Sun-dried Tomato Basil Butter. Can you just imagine the exciting flavors when you add them to your dish? 

7. SPICED DRINKS

Mulled wine different spices and citrus fruits. Photo by oksanashyriaievaphotos 

Spice innovation has led to the creation of a variety of spiced drinks, which are beverages infused or flavored with an array of spices, herbs, and aromatic ingredients. These drinks offer a comforting and flavorful experience, particularly popular during colder seasons or as soothing beverages. Incorporating spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, star anise, and ginger, spiced drinks can be enjoyed with bases like tea, coffee, milk, or fruit juices, resulting in a diverse range of options. 

Different spices for different taste buds. Photo by anilsharma26.

Wow, who knew that spices could be so innovative? It's clear that there's a whole world of flavor waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these spice innovations offer a way to elevate your dishes and add a little excitement to your meals. Go ahead and experiment using these spice innovations and see where your culinary creativity takes you! 

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