International Herb
Widely used in Nigerian cookingBay Leaf
Aromatic • Herbal
An aromatic leaf simmered in rice, stews and sauces and normally removed before serving.
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The Nigerian Spice Index A–Z
Explore 76 ingredients and seasonings
The Nigerian Spice Index documents the spices, herbs, peppers, leaves, fermented seasonings, flavouring ingredients and blends used across Nigerian cooking.
31 ingredient records
Alphabetical by default
International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingBlack Pepper
Peppery
A globally traded pepper spice used whole or ground in Nigerian cooking and seasoning blends.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingCardamom
Aromatic • Warming
A fragrant pod and seed spice used in drinks, rice, baking and aromatic blends.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingCayenne Pepper
Hot
A hot ground red-pepper seasoning used to add direct heat to dishes and blends.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingCinnamon
Sweet • Warming
A sweet-warming bark spice used in drinks, baking, rice dishes and spice blends.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingCloves
Aromatic • Warming
Intensely aromatic dried flower buds used sparingly in drinks, rice, stews and spice blends.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingCoriander
Citrusy • Herbal
An international herb and seed spice used in selected Nigerian recipes and seasoning blends.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingCumin
Aromatic • Earthy
An earthy aromatic seed spice used in selected marinades, rice dishes and spice blends.
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International Herb
Widely used in Nigerian cookingCurry Leaf
Aromatic • Herbal
An aromatic leaf used in some contemporary Nigerian and diasporic cooking; distinct from curry powder.
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International Herb
Widely used in Nigerian cookingDill
Fresh • Herbal
A delicate aromatic herb used in selected fish, vegetable, sauce and salad preparations.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingFennel
Aromatic • Sweet
A sweet-aniseed seed or herb ingredient used in selected drinks, dishes and spice blends.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingFenugreek
Aromatic • Bitter
A distinctive seed and leaf ingredient used in spice blends and selected contemporary dishes.
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Other Culinary Flavouring
Widely used in Nigerian cookingGarlic
Pungent • Savoury
A pungent allium used widely in Nigerian marinades, stews, rice dishes and seasoning blends.
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Widely used in Nigerian cookingGinger
Aromatic • Peppery • Warming · Medium heat
A fresh or dried rhizome that brings warm, citrus-like heat to Nigerian cooking.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingMace
Aromatic • Warming
The aromatic aril surrounding the nutmeg seed, used as a separate warm spice.
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International Herb
Widely used in Nigerian cookingMint
Fresh • Herbal
A fresh cooling herb used in drinks, garnishes, sauces and contemporary dishes.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingMustard Seed
Pungent
A pungent seed spice used whole, crushed or ground in selected seasonings and sauces.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingNutmeg
Aromatic • Warming
A warm aromatic seed spice used in drinks, baking, sauces and savoury dishes.
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Other Culinary Flavouring
Widely used in Nigerian cookingOnion
Pungent • Savoury
A foundational allium used for sweetness, aroma and savoury depth across Nigerian cooking.
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International Herb
Widely used in Nigerian cookingOregano
Aromatic • Herbal
A robust dried or fresh herb used in marinades, sauces and contemporary seasoning blends.
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International Spice
Widely used in Nigerian cookingPaprika
Peppery • Sweet
A ground red-pepper seasoning used for colour, mild sweetness or heat depending on the product.
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International Herb
Widely used in Nigerian cookingParsley
Fresh • Herbal
A fresh or dried herb used for a clean herbal note, colour and garnish.
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International Herb
Widely used in Nigerian cookingRosemary
Aromatic • Herbal
A resinous aromatic herb used in marinades, roasts and contemporary Nigerian cooking.
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International Herb
Widely used in Nigerian cookingSage
Herbal • Savoury
A strongly savoury aromatic herb used sparingly in selected meat, stuffing and sauce preparations.
Explore SageNew to Nigerian ingredients? The editorial guide explains peppers, leaves, fermented seasonings and traditional blends.
Read the Nigerian spices guide →