8 Festive Herbs and Spices for Delicious Holiday Recipes
Two of the most enjoyable things about the holiday season are the tastes and the smells of the goodies that are made and shared this time of year. You probably associate certain smells with family meals around the table, laughter, opening presents, and time shared with loved ones. To help you get the festive spirit, here are some of our favorite spices and herbs that smell and taste like holiday joy.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is such a staple during the holiday season that it’s the scent most often connected with this time of year. Cinnamon smells delicious and offers a warm, sweet, and woody flavor to sweet and savory dishes.
From adding a little bit of spice to your apple cider to giving your holiday desserts and Christmas morning pastries that traditional taste that the family waits for all year, cinnamon is perhaps the one spice that no cupboard should be without.
Some of the cinnamon products that can be found on Co-op Market include:
- Single Origin by Simply Organic Vietnamese Organic Cinnamon
- Simply Organic Ground Cinnamon, .67 oz
- Frontier Co-op Ground Cinnamon, .5 oz
- Frontier Co-op Organic Cinnamon Flavor, 2. fl oz
- Simply Organic Cinnamon Sticks
Cloves
Often working in concert with its partners, cinnamon and ginger, cloves provide a unique flavor and smell that will please even the pickiest of seasonal guests. Cloves can add a hint of sweetness to any dish and pair well with sweeter spices.
However, don't underestimate the power that cloves bring to the table all on their own, serving as the star of mulled wines and punches.
Check out our selection of clove products, including:
Nutmeg
What would eggnog be without a dash of nutmeg? This holiday spice adds a savory, spicy flavor to desserts, beverages, and even creamy sauces such as Alfredo and other types of cheesy sauces often served over pasta.
You can find nutmeg in multiple forms including grounds or as a seasoning. Co-Op Market has a great selection of premium nutmeg products including:
- Frontier Co-op Ground Organic Nutmeg, 1 lb
- Simply Organic Ground Nutmeg, 2.3 oz
- Frontier Co-op Ground Nutmeg, .6 oz
- Frontier Co-op Whole Nutmeg, 1 lb
Cardamom
Derived from the seeds of various plants in the ginger family, cardamom is another solid choice for bringing out the aromas and flavors of the holidays. Cardamom offers a piney, fruity taste and is a common ingredient in curries and other Indian dishes. Cardamom can also provide a unique flavor in desserts and coffee or tea.
Co-Op Market has several cardamom products available, such as:
- Frontier Co-op Whole Cardamom Seed, 1 lb
- Frontier Co-op Green Cardamom Pods, Organic, 1lb
- Frontier Co-op Ground Cardamom, .5 oz
- Simply Organic Ground Cardamom, 2.82 oz
Peppermint
Through the traditional red and white stripes of the candy cane, peppermint is unmistakably tied to the holiday season. The cooling sensation of peppermint harkens the feeling of walking in the winter air, and the minty flavor adds a festive feel to hot cocoa and other favorite holiday beverages. While many people seek the freshness of peppermint leaves, others obtain this popular holiday flavor through the use of extracts. If you're looking for quality flavors to bring the traditional holiday taste of peppermint to your table this season, take a look at these products:
- Simply Organic Peppermint Flavor, 2 fl oz
- Frontier Co-op Organic Peppermint Leaf, 2.05 oz
- Frontier Co-op Peppermint Flavor, 2 fl oz
Sage
With its earthy aroma and powerful flavor, sage can be used to change up the flavor of any dish and is a beloved ingredient in various types of warm winter recipes, like butternut squash soup. It is also one of the most commonly used herbs in Thanksgiving stuffing, which is the reason many people identify its flavor with the holidays. It is also commonly used in other holiday dishes, including mashed and sweet potatoes.
If your recipe calls for sage this season, Co-op Market has you covered with products such as:
- Simply Organic Ground Sage Leaf, 1.41 oz
- Frontier Co-op Sage Leaf, Rubbed, Organic, 1 lb
- Frontier Co-op Ground Sage Leaf, Organic, .8 oz
- Frontier Co-op Organic Rubbed Sage Leaf, .63 oz
Vanilla
The scent of vanilla elicits feelings of warmth and coziness for many people, making it not only a popular ingredient in holiday desserts, but a popular fragrance for potpourri, wax melts, and other home fragrance products. If you're looking for a fragrance that universally harkens memories of family and good times, vanilla is a solid choice.
To add a little sweetness to your holiday treats, don't forget the vanilla. Check out these products, available from Co-Op Market:
- Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract, 8 fl oz
- Frontier Co-op Vanilla Extract, 2 fl oz
- Frontier Co-op Bourbon Vanilla Beans, 1.4 lb
- Monin Vanilla Flavored Syrup, 750 ml
Ginger
Gingerbread houses and gingerbread cookies are staples of the holiday season. There is nothing quite like the scent of a dish containing ginger to make your house smell heavenly.
For that unmistakable holiday smell and flavor of ginger, consider these products:
- Frontier Co-op Ground Ginger Root, 1 lb
- Simply Organic Ground Ginger Root, .42 oz
- Frontier Co-op Ginger Root, Cut, Sifted, 1 lb
- Frontier Co-op Ground Ginger Root, 1.52 pz
Orange Peel
While citrus may not be the scent that comes to mind when you think of a holiday meal, fruit actually has a prominent place at the table, as an ingredient found in everything from beverages and desserts, to salads and stuffings. Orange peel is commonly called for in holiday recipes, including cookies, cakes, and icings.
For your recipes that call for orange peel, consider these options:
- Frontier Co-op Orange Peel Granules, 1 lb
- Frontier Co-op Orange Peel Powder, Organic, 1 lb
- Frontier Co-op Orange Peel, Cut, Sifted, Organic, 1 lb
Shop More Festive Spices at Co-Op Market
If you’re looking to stock up on spices and seasoning this holiday season, look no further than Co-op Market. Whatever your holiday plans, enjoy this special time with your loved ones and grab your favorite holiday spices and herbs to make time spent with family that much sweeter.
