Spices and flavorings
Spices and herbs are every chef's ace in the hole: a pinch of wild oregano or a clove of red garlic can transform a simple dish into a memorable one. In this collection, you'll find organic spices and herbs, grown in Sicily and processed without pesticides or synthetic additives.
Unlike artificial flavors, natural ones don't just offer aroma and taste: they retain essential oils, antioxidants, and beneficial properties that are lost in industrial products. Choose the authentic taste of Mediterranean tradition, from our land to your kitchen.
2 products
What is the difference between spices and herbs?
The difference lies in the part of the plant they come from and how they are used. Spicescome from dried seeds, barks, roots, fruits, or berries — such as pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, saffron, nutmeg, and cloves — and add depth and warmth to dishes. Herbs(or aromatic herbs) are fresh or dried leaves, such as basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf: they release fresh aromas typical of the Mediterranean diet. In cooking, spices are often added at the beginning of cooking, while herbs are added at the end to preserve their essential oils.
What are the most commonly used herbs in cooking?
The most common herbs in Italian cuisine are leaves rich in essential oils that perfume meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Among the most used:
- Basil— the soul of pesto and summer dishes
- Rosemary— ideal for roasts, potatoes, and bread
- Sage— perfect with butter, white meats, and stuffings
- Parsley— the all-rounder for sautés and sauces
- Oregano— indispensable on pizza, tomato, and vegetables
- Thyme, marjoram, and bay leaf— for broths, legumes, and marinades
- Mint and tarragon— freshness for salads and sauces
What are the most common spices?
The most common spices come from dried seeds, roots, or barks and are enough in small doses to change the character of a recipe. The most used are pepper, chilli pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, saffron, nutmeg, cloves, coriander, and cumin. Many of them — such as turmeric, ginger, and saffron — are also appreciated for their anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, in addition to their flavour.
Why choose organic spices and herbs?
Because organic preserves flavour and active ingredients that industrial production tends to deplete. Organic spices and herbs are grown without synthetic pesticides and herbicides, and dried using methods that respect essential oils and aromas. The result is a more intense aroma, a fuller taste, and the certainty of bringing a clean product to your table. Using spices and herbs generously also allows you to reduce saltin dishes, a concrete benefit for well-being.
How to store spices and herbs?
They must be protected from light, heat, and humidity to avoid losing aroma. Store dried spices in airtight containers, in a cool, dry place away from light, and grind them just before use when possible. Fresh herbs can be kept for a few days in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp cloth, or they can be frozen or dried to have them available all year round.
AranceBio's Sicilian spices and herbs
In our selection, you will find organic spices and herbs linked to the land of Sicily, such as wild forest oregano, harvested and dried to preserve all its balsamic aroma, and red garlic, with a strong taste and recognized beneficial properties. They are part of our assortment of organic vegetablesand Sicilian specialities, cultivated with the same natural method as our organic oranges. Do you want to learn more about the uses and properties of herbs and spices? You can find tips and recipes on our blog.