The Nigerian Spice Index A–Z

Seed spice

Alligator Pepper

Aromatic • Peppery · Medium heat

A pungent, aromatic seed spice used in cooking and in cultural contexts across parts of Nigeria.

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Seasoning Blend

Seasoning blend

Banga Spice

Aromatic • Savoury · Mild heat

A family of aromatic spice blends associated with palm-fruit soups and stews.

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International Herb

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Bay Leaf

Aromatic • Herbal

An aromatic leaf simmered in rice, stews and sauces and normally removed before serving.

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International Spice

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Cardamom

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 cooking

Cloves

Aromatic • Warming

Intensely aromatic dried flower buds used sparingly in drinks, rice, stews and spice blends.

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Aromatic

Country Onion

Aromatic • Savoury

Country onion in Nigeria is an aromatic seasoning associated with Afrostyrax lepidophyllus. See its forms, flavour, uses and identity caveats.

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International Spice

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Cumin

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 cooking

Curry Leaf

Aromatic • Herbal

An aromatic leaf used in some contemporary Nigerian and diasporic cooking; distinct from curry powder.

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Seed spice

Ehuru

African nutmeg

Aromatic • Warming

A fragrant seed spice commonly described as African nutmeg and used in soups and spice blends.

Also known as: Ehuru

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International Spice

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Fennel

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 cooking

Fenugreek

Aromatic • Bitter

A distinctive seed and leaf ingredient used in spice blends and selected contemporary dishes.

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Root

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Ginger

Aromatic • Peppery • Warming · Medium heat

A fresh or dried rhizome that brings warm, citrus-like heat to Nigerian cooking.

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Seed spice

Grains of Paradise

Aromatic • Peppery · Medium heat

Small aromatic seeds with peppery warmth and a bright, complex finish.

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International Spice

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Mace

Aromatic • Warming

The aromatic aril surrounding the nutmeg seed, used as a separate warm spice.

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International Spice

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Nutmeg

Aromatic • Warming

A warm aromatic seed spice used in drinks, baking, sauces and savoury dishes.

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International Herb

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Oregano

Aromatic • Herbal

A robust dried or fresh herb used in marinades, sauces and contemporary seasoning blends.

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Seasoning Blend

Seasoning blend

Pepper Soup Spice

Aromatic • Peppery • Warming · Hot heat

A variable family of aromatic blends used to season Nigerian pepper soups.

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International Herb

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Rosemary

Aromatic • Herbal

A resinous aromatic herb used in marinades, roasts and contemporary Nigerian cooking.

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Aromatic Herb

Scent Leaf

Aromatic • Herbal · Mild heat

A highly aromatic leaf used fresh in soups, sauces and pepper dishes.

Also known as: Nchuanwu

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International Spice

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Star Anise

Aromatic • Sweet

A strongly anise-scented dried fruit spice used sparingly in drinks, broths and blends.

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International Herb

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Sweet Basil

Aromatic • Herbal

A soft aromatic herb used fresh or dried in sauces, stews and contemporary dishes.

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Aromatic Fruit

Uyayak

Aidan fruit

Aromatic • Warming

An aromatic dried fruit used to perfume broths and regional soups.

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International Spice

Widely used in Nigerian cooking

Vanilla

Aromatic • Sweet

An aromatic flavouring from cured vanilla pods, used in drinks, desserts and baking.

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