Discover a world of vibrant flavors with spices that start with the letter G! From the warm, sweet notes of ginger to the aromatic richness of galangal, these spices add depth and excitement to your culinary creations. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious cook, exploring these flavorful ingredients can elevate your dishes to new heights. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of spices beginning with G!
1. Galangal
Galangal is a spicy root from Southeast Asia, similar to ginger but with a citrusy and pine-like flavor. It is often used in Thai and Indonesian dishes to add depth and aroma.
Nutritional Benefits: About 20 calories per 20g, rich in antioxidants, essential oils, and compounds like galangol and gingerol that help boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
How to Use It: Best in curries, soups, teas, marinades, or pickling for added flavor.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid. Pair with lemon, honey, or turmeric for enhanced benefits.
2. Garam Masala
Garam Masala is a warm spice blend from India, combining cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other spices. It adds a fragrant, spicy warmth to dishes.
Nutritional Benefits: Contains about 20 calories per 20g serving. Packed with antioxidants and essential oils that promote digestion and boost immunity.
How to Use It: Ideal in curries, rice dishes, marinades, and as a seasoning for roasted vegetables.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, anti-inflammatory. Combines well with turmeric, lemon juice, or honey for added health benefits.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a widely used bulb known for its strong aroma and taste. It originates from Central Asia and has a pungent, spicy flavor that mellows when cooked.
Nutritional Benefits: About 20 calories per 20g, rich in allicin and antioxidants that support heart health and immune function.
How to Use It: Perfect in sauces, marinades, roasts, baked goods, or added fresh to salads and stir-fries.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid. Pairs well with lemon, honey, or turmeric.
4. Ginger
Ginger is a spicy root originally from Southeast Asia, known for its warm, zesty flavor. It’s used worldwide in cooking and teas.
Nutritional Benefits: About 20 calories per 20g, loaded with gingerol and antioxidants that help reduce nausea and inflammation.
How to Use It: Wonderful in teas, baked goods, curries, marinades, or smoothies.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid. Pairs well with lemon, honey, or turmeric.
5. Grains of Paradise
Grains of Paradise are spice seeds from West Africa with a peppery, citrusy flavor, similar to black pepper with hints of cardamom.
Nutritional Benefits: Approximately 20 calories per 20g, rich in antioxidants and essential oils that may aid digestion and boost circulation.
How to Use It: Used in spice blends, rubs, or added to marinades for a spicy kick in dishes and drinks.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory. Pairs well with lemon, honey, or turmeric.
6. Grains of Selim
Grains of Selim, also known as Kani pepper, are small dark seeds with a smoky, spicy flavor common in West African cuisine.
Nutritional Benefits: About 20 calories per 20g, containing antioxidants and essential oils that support health and digestion.
How to Use It: Ideal in soups, stews, and spice blends for depth and aroma.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, anti-inflammatory. Pair with other spices, or use in meat dishes.
7. Golpar
Golpar, or Persian hogweed, is a spice from Iran with a strong, aromatic flavor, often used in pickles and condiments.
Nutritional Benefits: Around 20 calories per 20g, rich in antioxidants and compounds that may support digestive health.
How to Use It: Commonly sprinkled over salads, pickles, or used in rice and stews.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, digestive aid. Pairs well with lemon and honey in recipes.
8. Gumbo Filé Powder
Gumbo Filé Powder is made from ground sassafras leaves from Louisiana. It gives dishes a smoky, herbal flavor and thickens gumbo.
Nutritional Benefits: About 20 calories per 20g, contains antioxidants and compounds aiding digestion.
How to Use It: Typically added to gumbo, soups, and stews during cooking for flavor and thickening.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, digestive support. Pair with other herbs or lemon.
9. Guajillo Chile Powder
Guajillo chili powder is made from dried guajillo peppers, offering a smoky, mildly spicy flavor from Mexico.
Nutritional Benefits: Approximately 20 calories per 20g, rich in antioxidants and capsicum compounds that boost metabolism.
How to Use It: Perfect in sauces, marinades, or sprinkled over grilled dishes.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, antioxidant-rich. Pairs well with lime, garlic, or cumin.
10. Green Mango Powder (*Amchoor*)
Amchoor or green mango powder is dried, ground unripe mango used in Indian cuisine for tang and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits: About 20 calories per 20g, contains antioxidants and vitamin C that support immunity and digestion.
How to Use It: Used in spice blends, chutneys, or as a souring agent in curries.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, digestive aid. Pairs with turmeric, cumin, or lemon.
11. Green Peppercorns
Green peppercorns are unripe pepper berries with a fresh, mild spicy flavor, often used in sauces and marinades.
Nutritional Benefits: Around 20 calories per 20g, rich in antioxidants and piperine that may support digestion.
How to Use It: Ideal in creamy sauces, salad dressings, or as a garnish.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, anti-inflammatory. Pairs well with lemon, cream, or herbs.Â
Eleena Wills is a passionate health and wellness writer with over 5 years of experience in simplifying complex health topics for everyday readers. She holds a background in health communication and has contributed to multiple reputable wellness platforms. Eleena is committed to sharing science-backed tips on nutrition, mental well-being, fitness, and lifestyle habits that support long-term health. When she’s not writing, she’s experimenting with healthy recipes or practicing yoga.