Looking for fall spices? Here are the best fall herbs and spices you need in your pantry + How to use them on drinks, baking and cooking
Is there anything better than cozy fall spices? There’s just something about them that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Plus, they’re perfect for adding flavor to all sorts of recipes. Today, I’m going to share some of my favorite fall spices and some incredible combinations with you.
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What are fall flavors?
It’s hard to define the flavors of Fall because everyone has their own idea of what fall is. For some, it means warm apple cider and hayrides while for others it’s the smell of bonfires on crisp evenings.
Whatever your version is, one thing can be agreed upon: Fall spices are an integral part to any late season food recipe.
To help get you started, here are some spices that are common in fall-inspired foods:
Cinnamon
This is probably the most obvious and popular spice used in autumn foods. It’s burned for ceremonial purposes on holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween, and many other cultures use it for its health benefits.
When cooked though, cinnamon seeps into all sorts of dishes including baked goods like cupcakes and pies, or even apple pies.
Nutmeg
Think of nutmeg as cinnamon’s slightly older cousin. It’s used in the same types of recipes but to a lesser extent since it is generally more expensive and harder to find.
Nutmeg has its own set of health benefits, with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Try adding it to pumpkin pie for an extra kick!
Allspice
This is one of the spices that fall was practically built on. It’s used in many traditional foods like apple cider, cakes, pies, and muffins.
It can be used in more savory recipes as well, like meatloafs and soups. For dishes that are supposed to mimic the flavors of fall (but aren’t necessarily true to its roots), allspice is great for that added spice.
Mace
This one is unique because it’s not actually a spice. Mace is the outer layer of nutmeg, and it has many similar health benefits as nutmeg including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s cheaper than nutmeg and can be used in a variety of recipes like spaghetti sauce (meat or vegetarian), fruit pies, and even baked goods like breads and cakes!
Clove
These are one of the most-used spices in fall recipes. They add a deep (and some say slightly spicy) flavor to baked goods, and they can also be used in savory dishes like soups and marinades.
Vanilla
Some would argue that vanilla is more of a summer or winter flavor, but it actually is a perfect fall spice as well. You can use it in its pure form or as vanilla extract (which doubles as an essential oil).
Vanilla has many health benefits, most notably it’s stress-relieving properties. Add some to a cup of pumpkin spiced tea and you’ve got a truly relaxing drink.
Cardamom
This is another autumn-inspired spice. It’s often used in baked goods, but you can find it in drinks like coffee or tea.
It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it can even help reduce muscle pain after a workout.
Cardamom is usually used in recipes like gingerbread, teas and chai lattes.
Ginger
This spice has many benefits. It’s used in drinks and baked goods and is also a great way to add some flavor to foods like soups and curries.
It can even be found as an essential oil, which is sometimes added to soaps for its health properties.
Ginger has been known to help with nausea.
Pumpkin pie spice
This is not a real spice. It’s a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Pumpkin pie spice can be used to add flavor in almost any baked good and it goes especially well with pumpkin based foods like ice cream, cookies or cake.
Apple Pie Spice
This is another not-a-real-spice. It’s cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. It’s used in apple-based recipes just like pumpkin pie spice is used with pumpkin-based foods.
Cumin
This spice is more for savory recipes, but it does have major health benefits. It’s been shown to reduce inflammation and has been used throughout history as a natural remedy.
It can be found in some meat rubs but also goes great with Mexican-based foods like sorghum, cilantro or black beans.
Star anise
Though not often thought of as a fall spice, this is actually an excellent choice for autumn dishes. It has many health benefits like reducing nausea and improving digestion.
It can be found in apple cider but it is also great with pumpkin based foods such as soups, pies and pasta sauce.
Mulling spice
This one is also not a real spice, but it is closely related to allspice. Mulling spices can be found in some stores or made at home with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
It is most often used in warm drinks like cider and coffee. It’s even great in hot chocolate!
Saffron
This is another not-a-real-spice, but it’s a unique fall flavor that shouldn’t be overlooked. It has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy to help with many health problems.
It’s also great in baked goods and goes well with apple cider and pumpkin pie spice.
Best fall spices for coffee
Many of these spices can be used to add flavor to your morning cup. Try adding some apple pie spice or nutmeg and vanilla extract to your coffee for a delicious autumn drink!
Also pumpkin pie spice goes delicious with a latte. You are probably already familiar with the worldwide famous pumpkin spice latte coffee that takes Fall by storm.
Best fall spices for tea
Some other popular drinks in the fall include tea and hot chocolate. Both of these flavors go well with almost any of the above spices.
Apple pie spice, cinnamon and ginger are great for tea. Cinnamon sticks go well in almost any kind of hot or cold drink. Cloves can be heated with milk (or soy milk) to create a warm fall drink. Allspice is also perfect for tea, like this recipe here .
Vanilla extract goes particularly well in hot drinks too!
Actually a combination of these spices is what makes chai tea! The quintessential fall tea.
Best fall spices for baking
Almost all of these spices are perfect for baking.
Apple pie spice goes into almost anything that you want to have a Fall flavor. Pumpkin pie spice is also great for any baked good that includes pumpkin or squash, like pumpkin bread or muffins.
Ginger, on the other hand, is delicious on quick breads. Cinnamon goes well with pretty much anything and everything, and allspice is delicious on Fall inspired cookies.
Best fall spices for cooking
Allspice, nutmeg and ginger go great in savory cooking.
Allspice is perfect for Thanksgiving turkey recipes, just like nutmeg with squash or ginger with potatoes. Cinnamon sticks can be used to flavor soups and ciders.
Saffron is also a delicious addition to dishes like risottos and delicate preprations.
Although this may seem like a long list of spices, most of these can be found for cheap at your local grocery store! Experimenting is the best way to find out what works for you.
Don’t be afraid to have fun with fall flavors!
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