Winter Is Coming: Use These Spices

From cinnamon baked apples to gingerbread men, spices provide some of our favorite tastes and smells this time of year. And while they’re delicious in desserts, they also add zest to fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. Here’s how to spice up your life this season.

Nutmeg

Use for:carrots, winter squash, lean beef, chicken, fish, pudding

Nutmeg has a naturally sweet taste. By adding a little nutmeg to recipes, you may be able to satisfy a sweet tooth with less sugar.

Allspice

Use for:cranberry sauce, peaches, tomatoes, lean meats, stews

Allspice also tastes sweet. It’s particularly high in phenolic compounds—chemicals that act as antioxidants.

Cinnamon

Use for: apples, carrots, winter squash, oatmeal, whole-grain bread

Cinnamon is another sweet spice. Scientists are studying whether it might have benefits for brain health.

Ginger

Use for:carrots, winter squash, chicken, salmon, salad dressings

Ginger has a savory flavor, so it’s good for replacing salt as a seasoning. Studies show that ginger may help ease nausea in pregnant women and cancer patients.