Discover a world of vibrant flavors and enticing aromas with spices that start with the letter “A.” From bold, earthy tastes to aromatic surprises, these spices add depth and character to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just exploring new flavors, uncovering these “A” spices will elevate your culinary adventures. Let’s take a flavorful journey into the spice cupboard!
1. Adobo Seasoning
Adobo Seasoning is a popular blend from Latin America and the Philippines, known for its bold, savory flavor. It typically contains garlic, oregano, black pepper, and turmeric, giving it a rich taste profile.
Calories per 20g: approximately 10; rich in antioxidants, including oregano and garlic, and contains essential oils that boost flavor and health.
How to Use: Adds flavor to meats, stews, marinades, and rice dishes. Great for seasoning chicken or beef before grilling.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, anti-inflammatory, supports digestion. Pair with lemon or garlic for enhanced flavor.
2. Achiote Seed (Annatto)
Achiote seeds, also known as Annatto, originate from Central and South America. They impart a vibrant orange-red color and have a mild, peppery flavor with a hint of earthiness.
Calories per 20g: roughly 40; contains antioxidants called carotenoids, and essential oils that add aroma.
How to Use: Used in rice, meats, and sauces for coloring and flavoring. Common in Latin American dishes.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, antioxidant-rich. Best paired with rice or grilled meats for color and zest.
3. Aidan Fruit / Aridan / Prekese (Tetrapleura tetraptera)
African spice and medicinal fruit from West Africa, with a sweet, aromatic smell and a slightly spicy flavor. Often used in soups and traditional dishes.
Calories per 20g: minimal; contains antioxidants and compounds that may aid digestion and boost immunity.
How to Use: Typically used in soups and stews to add aroma and flavor, often boiled whole.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, supports digestion, and immune health. Pair with ginger or garlic for added benefit.
4. Ajwain Seed (Carom Seeds, Bishop’s Weed, Thymol Seeds)
Ajwain seeds are a staple in Indian cuisine, known for their pungent taste with a thyme-like aroma. Originates from India and North Africa.
Calories per 20g: around 110; rich in essential oils and thymol, which have digestive and antimicrobial properties.
How to Use: Ideal in flatbreads, curries, pickles, and teas to aid digestion and add flavor.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory. Pair with lemon or honey in teas.
5. Aji Amarillo Chile Powder
Aji Amarillo is a bright yellow chili native to Peru. It offers a fruity, spicy flavor that is less intense than standard chilis.
Calories per 20g: approximately 20; contains antioxidants and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism.
How to Use: Perfect in sauces, marinades, and stews for adding color and mild heat. Essential in Peruvian cuisine.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, enhances metabolism. Combine with lime or cilantro for fresh flavors.
6. Aji Amarillo Chiles, Dried
Dried Aji Amarillo chiles are popular in South American cooking, providing a smoky, fruity heat.
Calories per 20g: about 25; rich in antioxidants and capsaicin, which can promote health benefits.
How to Use: Rehydrate and add to sauces, soups, and rice dishes for vibrant color and flavor.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, antioxidant-rich. Pair with garlic or lime in recipes for a flavor boost.
7. Aji Panca Chile Powder
Aji Panca is a Peruvian chili with a mild, smoky flavor and red color. It adds depth to many dishes.
Calories per 20g: around 15; contains antioxidants and capsaicin, supporting immune health.
How to Use: Use in marinades, stews, and sauces in Latin American recipes for smoky flavor.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, supports immune system. Combine with cumin or coriander.
8. Aji Panca Chiles, Dried
Dried Aji Panca chiles have a deep red hue, providing a smoky, mildly spicy taste used extensively in Peruvian cuisine.
Calories per 20g: roughly 20; rich in antioxidants and capsaicin.
How to Use: Rehydrate and blend into sauces, soups, or rubs for a smoky flavor.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, antioxidant-rich, pairs well with garlic and lime.
9. Aji Paprika Chiles, Whole
Aji paprika chiles are bright red and mild, used to add color and gentle spice to dishes.
Calories per 20g: about 15; contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
How to Use: Add whole or ground to stews, rice, or meat dishes.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, vitamin-rich. Pair with turmeric or cumin for enhanced health benefits.
10. Aleppo Pepper (Crushed)
Originating from Syria, Aleppo pepper offers a medium heat with fruity, cumin-like undertones.
Calories per 20g: approximately 20; antioxidants and capsaicin present.
How to Use: Sprinkled on meats, salads, or roasted vegetables for flavor and heat.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, antioxidant support. Best paired with lemon or olive oil.
11. Allspice Berries (Whole and Ground)
Native to the Caribbean and Central America, allspice has a warm, sweet-spicy aroma mimicking cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg combined.
Calories per 20g: about 50; contains antioxidants, eugenol, and essential oils beneficial for health.
How to Use: Used in baking, stews, marinades, and pickling.
Diet Compatibility: Moderate calories; supports digestion. Pair with cinnamon or ginger.
12. Amchoor / Amchur (Dried Mango Powder)
Amchoor is a tangy, tart spice from dried unripe mangoes, used extensively in Indian cooking for sourness.
Calories per 20g: minimal; contains antioxidants and vitamin C.
How to Use: Used in curries, chutneys, and marinades for acidity and flavor.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, aids digestion. Pair with cumin or coriander.
13. Ancho Chile Peppers, Whole & Powder
Ancho peppers are dried poblano chilis with a sweet, smoky flavor, common in Mexican cuisine.
Calories per 20g: approximately 25; rich in antioxidants and capsaicin.
How to Use: Rehydrate and add to sauces, moles, and stews.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, antioxidant-packed. Best paired with garlic and cumin.
14. Anise Seed & Anise Extract/Star Anise
Anise seeds and star anise have a sweet, licorice-like aroma. Originates from the Middle East and Asia.
Calories per 20g: around 70; contains antioxidants and essential oils with antimicrobial properties.
How to Use: Use in baking, broths, and teas for flavor and digestion aid.
Diet Compatibility: Moderate calories; pairs well with cinnamon and cardamom.
15. Annatto Seeds & Powder/Achiote Paste
Produced from Bixa orellana, annatto adds color and a mild peppery taste, popular in Latin American and Caribbean dishes.
Calories per 20g: about 45; rich in antioxidants, carotenoids.
How to Use: Used in rice, sauces, and marinades for color and flavor enhancement.
Diet Compatibility: Low-calorie, antioxidant-rich, pairs well with garlic and lime.
16. Asafoetida (“Hing”)
Hing is a pungent, sulfurous spice from Iran and India, essential in Indian vegetarian cooking.
Calories per 20g: negligible; contains antioxidants and compounds that aid digestion.
How to Use: Use in lentil dishes, pickles, and vegetable curries for flavor and digestive benefits.
Diet Compatibility: Very low-calorie, digestive aid. Pairs well with cumin and turmeric.
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.