Top Summer Spices and Seasonings

As summer comes closer, it's time to refresh your cooking with the best seasonal spices and seasonings. At Harris Spice, we’ve identified the top trends to enhance your culinary summer creations. From zesty blends to aromatic infusions, we're here to keep your meals vibrant and flavorful. Here are the top trending summer spices and seasonings with quick recipe ideas:

Lemon Pepper

Brighten seafood and salads with lemon pepper, a mix of lemon zest and cracked black pepper. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this blend provides a tangy, zesty flavor that complements light summer dishes.

  • Recipe Idea: Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon pepper, then grill.
  • Tip: Lemon pepper offers convenience and a consistent citrusy flavor perfect for quick seasoning.

Cooling Herbs

Basil, mint, and cilantro are summer essentials. These dried herbs add fresh, bright flavors that are perfect for hot weather.

  • Basil: Originally from India and now key in Italian cuisine, basil is perfect in Caprese salads or blended into pesto by mixing basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil. Dried basil is ideal for cooking these dishes.
  • Mint: Widely used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, dried mint adds a refreshing flavor to dishes. Add to drinks like mojitos or mix with bulgur, tomatoes, and cucumbers for tabbouleh. Dried mint pairs well with lamb and yogurt sauces.
  • Cilantro: Essential in Latin American and Asian dishes, dried cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy note. Enhance salsas, guacamole, or sprinkle on tacos. Cilantro is also great in chutneys and curries. Dried cilantro can infuse flavor over time in cooked dishes.

Smoky Paprika

Originating from Spain, smoky paprika enhances grilled meats and veggies with its rich, smoky flavor without adding heat.

  • Recipe Idea: Create a rub for chicken by combining smoky paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then grill. It's also excellent in paellas and stews for an added smoky dimension.
  • Tip: Smoked paprika, as a dried spice, offers intense flavor and a long shelf life, making it a pantry staple.

Spicy-Sweet Blends

Combine sweet and spicy with mango habanero and hot honey garlic. These blends are perfect for those who enjoy a balance of heat and sweetness.

  • Mango Habanero: Marinate shrimp in a mix of mango habanero sauce, lime juice, and olive oil, then grill. This blend also works well in salsas for a fruity kick.
  • Hot Honey Garlic: Glaze grilled chicken with a sauce made of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Use it as a dip for chicken wings or drizzled over roasted vegetables.
  • Tip: Use wet versions like marinades for immediate flavor or dried mixes for longer shelf life and convenience.

Exotic Blends

Explore global flavors with za’atar, harissa, and ras el hanout. These blends bring unique and bold flavors to your dishes.

  • Za’atar: A Middle Eastern blend of herbs, sesame, and sumac. Toss vegetables in olive oil, sprinkle za’atar, and roast. Za’atar is also delicious on flatbreads and sprinkled over hummus.
  • Harissa: A spicy North African chili paste made from roasted red peppers, spices, and herbs. Mix harissa paste with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic for a dip. It's also great in stews, soups, and as a marinade for meats. Wet harissa paste offers an immediate punch of flavor.
  • Ras el Hanout: A Moroccan spice blend containing cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and more. Rub on lamb chops before grilling for a rich, aromatic flavor. It can also be used in tagines and couscous dishes. Dried ras el hanout is perfect for long-term storage and consistent seasoning.

Must-Try Summer Seasonings

  • Garlic Herb Mix: Mix garlic powder, dried basil, and oregano; sprinkle on grilled zucchini for a simple yet flavorful side dish.
  • Lemon Pepper: Season chicken breasts with lemon pepper, grill, and serve with a fresh salad. This blend also works well on seafood.
  • Chili Lime: Sprinkle on grilled corn and top with cotija cheese for a Mexican street corn-inspired treat. It's also great on avocado toast.
  • Mediterranean Blend: Rub on lamb chops before grilling. This blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary also enhances roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables.

Conclusion

We hope this list of summer spices and seasonings will elevate your summer dishes. Enjoy the tangy zest of lemon pepper, the refreshing notes of dried basil, mint, and cilantro, the rich smokiness of paprika, and the perfect blend of heat and sweetness in spicy-sweet mixes. For an twist, try bold flavors from exotic blends like za’atar and harissa.

At Harris Spice we're committed to staying ahead of the game by following the newest trends. Are you interested in the work we do? Read more about our get in touch now!

Don't forget to take a look at our other articles on sustainability and spice industry trends to stay up to date with the latest developments.

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