My Favorite Spices Trivia Quiz

Answer: Aroma

The word 'aroma' literally means 'spice' in Greek. Scent is originally from the Latin 'sentire', meaning 'to perceive/smell'. Exude is also derived from the Latin 'exsudare', which means to 'sweat out', while fragrant comes from the French, via the Latin word 'fragrare' (to smell sweet).

Answer: Fenugreek

The name 'fenugreek' is derived from the Latin 'faenugraecum', and literally means 'Greek hay'. It was used as fodder even in ancient times.

Answer: Cardamom

In Indian cooking, cardamom is commonly used to create curries and is employed in the spice blend called 'garam masala'. The Scandinavians use cardamom for cakes and pastries.

Answer: Dill

The five spices included in the Chinese five-spice powder are: fennel seeds, cinnamon, peppercorns, star of anise and cloves. It creates a wonderful aroma in meat and various other dishes. The five-spices are now catching on in the West... just watch the Food Network!

Answer: Moluccas

The Moluccas, now part of Indonesia, were once known by Westerners as the 'spice islands'. The taxonomic name for the nutmeg tree is 'Myristica fragrans'. It is now produced in other tropical areas of the world, though formerly it came only from the Spice Islands.

Answer: Crocus

The saffron crocus is usually grown in Spain, and is very expensive to cultivate. Saffron is composed of the dried stigmas of these crocus flower, and must be picked by hand. It is a key to the Spanish rice dish called paella.

Answer: Ginger

The wonderful spice ginger is taken from the rhizome of a plant originating in Asia that has an appearance like bamboo. Ginger is extensively used in Asian cooking, but also has found its way into western cooking. Ginger is very healthy deployed in tea, where it gives a powerful and healthy aroma.

Answer: Cloves

Cloves have a wonderful history in world cooking, and like Nutmeg, originally were found on the Moluccas. The name 'cloves' comes from the French 'clou de girofle' or 'nail of the gillyflower'...hence the original name for the spice. Did you know that cloves are an ingredient in both ketchup and Worcestershire sauce?

Answer: Alameda

Chili powder is derived from dried chili peppers, some of the most popular types being cayenne, ancho (dried poblanos) and chipotle (dried jalapeņos). Chili powders can also include other herbs and spices, such as dried oregano and cumin, but the pure stuff might be the best.

Answer: Paprika

Paprika is a deep red powdered spice that appears to be 'hot', but is usually rather mild (it can also come in sweet and hot varieties). Paprika is derived from red peppers that are dried and ground, an art that has become a culinary tradition in Hungary.