What Spices are More Commonly Used in Canada?
Have you ever noticed how a simple pinch of spice can completely change the taste and aroma of your entire dish? The taste you crave can be easily achieved by simply adding the desired spice to your recipe.
As a Canadian, you may be fully aware that our food is as diverse as our population. We consider spices as the secret ingredient in almost every kitchen.
Whether you are in the mood to try your hand at the classic comfort foods that remind you of your native land, or you want to try finger-licking recipes from around the world, spices are what you need to bring the perfect magic to your food.
But the question is, which spices are commonly used by Canadians to enhance their flavours in daily meals? If you're looking for the answer to this question, as you have recently moved to Canada or want to follow local recipes using the most common ingredients, you are on the right track.
The Growing Demand for Spices in Canada
The way Canadians cook is constantly changing. This is due to our love for new and better tastes, a focus on healthy eating, and the convenience of modern life. It has become a solid reason for the increase in demand for high-quality spices, particularly organic spices in Canada, as more people seek pure, natural ingredients.
Many essential spices help form the backbone of Canadian cooking. With the growing demand for these special ingredients, multiple online stores in Canada have also started selling them. This will help you make your meals taste extraordinary by getting premium-quality spices at the comfort of your own home from online providers like The Spice Trader.
Everyday Spices in a Canadian Kitchen
Some of the spices have become must-haves for every kitchen. These aromatic ingredients form the foundation of Canadian cooking. They're widely used, and you probably don't even think about them.
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Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper have always been in absolute demand for centuries. These spices are considered to be the most significant pair and are the first thing you add to almost any savoury dish. Whether it be about your perfect every morning omelette or the best home-cooked steak, salt enhances all other flavours, while a pinch of black pepper adds a warm, spicy kick to your dishes. They are simple, yet they have everything you need in your kitchen cabinet.
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Garlic and Onion Powder
Chopping garlic and onions is a hassle. Some individuals cannot tolerate their smell, and sometimes you need their flavour without the texture. That's where you can get onion and garlic in the form of powder or minced, whatever your recipe asks. They are also perfect for seasoning meats, soups, and sauces, providing a savoury base with minimal fuss.
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Paprika
More than just giving a pretty colour, paprika adds a gentle, sometimes smoky flavour. It’s a vital ingredient in many marinades and rubs and is a Canadian staple. This spice is primarily used in recipes like meatloaf to add a rich, warm taste that you crave.
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Cumin
This spice has a warm, earthy taste with a hint of nuttiness. Individuals use it mostly in everything from carrot cumin soup to curries, which shows just how much Canada has embraced global flavours.
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Cinnamon
While we love it in our apple pie and cinnamon buns, cinnamon is also a commonly used ingredient in Canada. You can add this to many savoury dishes. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to your meat pies, which will give a surprising and delicious flavour.
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Mustard
Mustard, which is considered a condiment crop, is widely used by Canadians. In fact, according to The Canadian Encyclopedia, Canada is the leading exporter of mustard, with an annual production of 100,000 to 200,000 tonnes. To enhance the taste of your sandwiches, meats, hot dogs, or to use as a solid ingredient in marinades and dressings, mustard is a popular choice.
Spices with a Canadian Story
Our country is vast, and so are our culinary traditions. From the East Coast to the West, different regions have their own unique spices and herbs that are integral to their local culture.
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Montreal Steak Spice: If there's one spice blend that screams "Canada," it's this one. A bold mix of coarse salt, black pepper, garlic, onion, and other spices, it was created right in Montreal and is now used on everything from steak to burgers and even roasted vegetables. If you’re looking to order spices online in Canada and want to try a true Canadian classic, this is the one to get.
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Juniper Berries: These little berries have a unique piney and slightly citrusy flavour. They're an essential part of cooking in Canada's northern regions and are often used to marinate game meats, such as venison, a nod to our country's Indigenous culinary heritage.
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Summer Savoury: Savoury herb is the most common spice you'll find in almost every kitchen. It is a mix of thyme, rosemary, and sage that can make your meals aromatic and give them a warm, deep flavour.
Why Canadians Choose Organic Spices?
We have observed that over the past few decades, individuals have become increasingly aware of what they consume. This concern has led to a significant shift toward healthier ingredients and a growing demand for pure, high-quality products. People are investing in organic spices to make their meals taste as if they are cooked in heaven.
Individuals are also looking for spices that are grown without synthetic pesticides and additives. This keeps them healthier, which not only makes them feel better to use but also often has a more intense, authentic flavour.
The Easiest Way to Buy Spices
The good news is that you don’t have to spend tiring days searching for a specific spice at a small spice store. Today, you can get almost any spice you can imagine delivered right to your door. This is due to the shift of physical stores to online settings in Canada, which has significantly improved the cooking game for home chefs.
Numerous online spice shops in Canada offer a huge selection, often with better quality and freshness than what you'd find in an in-store grocery store. Many also specialise in organic spices in Canada, giving you peace of mind that you're getting the best.
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More Spice Options
Online stores offer a vast inventory, including unique blends and rare spices from around the world that you won't find on local shelves.
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Freshness
Many online spice businesses grind their spices in small batches, so you know you are getting the freshest and flavourful product.
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Convenience
You can easily browse and order spices online in Canada at any time. No need to go out in the chilling season, you can easily scroll through local spice providers near you and get the best ingredients to add to your meals from the comfort of your own couch. Yeah, that's definitely a huge time-saver as well.
Conclusion
The spices most commonly used in Canada reflect our country's rich history and diverse culture. From the everyday staples that bring warmth to our meals to the regional specialities that tell a story of a place, spices are at the heart of our food.
Whether you are an expert cook or just stepping into your kitchen, adding these essential spices to your pantry is a simple way to make your meals taste amazing. Thanks to the convenience of buying spices online in Canada, you can easily access the freshest and most authentic ingredients.