aromatic spice crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "aromatic spice crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "aromatic spice crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CLOVE: A dried flower bud, known for its strong, pungent aroma and warm, sweet taste, often used in desserts and savory dishes.
6 Letters
NUTMEG: A seed often grated, known for its sweet, woody, and slightly peppery aroma, commonly used in baking, drinks, and creamy sauces.
7 Letters
SAFFRON: The world's most expensive spice, derived from crocus stigmas, prized for its distinctive hay-like aroma, slight bitterness, and vibrant golden color in dishes.
8 Letters
CINNAMON: A popular bark spice, warm and sweet, widely used in desserts, beverages, and certain savory cuisines for its comforting aroma.
ALLSPICE: A single spice from the Pimenta dioica plant, so named because its flavor and aroma evoke a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it highly versatile.
CARDAMOM: A highly aromatic seed pod with a complex, slightly citrusy, floral, and spicy flavor, often used in both sweet and savory dishes, especially in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.
More About "aromatic spice crossword clue"
Aromatic spices are key ingredients in kitchens worldwide, prized not just for their flavor but also for their potent and often unique scents. These spices typically derive from various parts of plants, including seeds (like nutmeg, cardamom), bark (cinnamon), dried flower buds (clove), or stigmas (saffron). Their rich aromas are due to volatile organic compounds, which are released when the spices are ground, heated, or steeped.
In crosswords, clues like "aromatic spice" often point to a broad category, meaning multiple answers could fit depending on the letter count and intersecting letters. Understanding the most common aromatic spices and their typical lengths is crucial. Many crosswords favor well-known examples such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, but more obscure or expensive spices like saffron and cardamom can also appear, especially in more challenging puzzles.
Beyond culinary uses, some aromatic spices have historical significance in traditional medicine or as fragrances. Their presence in a crossword clue highlights their enduring cultural and sensory impact, making them a common and engaging subject for puzzle constructors.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities for "aromatic spice" and focus on words like CLOVE (5 letters) or CINNAMON (8 letters).
- Consider Commonality: If the puzzle is a daily quick crossword, think of the most common and widely known aromatic spices first (e.g., CINNAMON, NUTMEG, CLOVE). More obscure spices might appear in specialized or harder puzzles.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The most reliable method is to use letters from intersecting clues. Even one confirmed letter can dramatically narrow down the options for an aromatic spice, helping you pinpoint the exact word.
- Think Beyond Food: While most aromatic spices are culinary, occasionally the clue might hint at a spice used in perfumes, potpourri, or incense.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common aromatic spice used in baking?
While many aromatic spices are used, CINNAMON is arguably the most common and versatile aromatic spice found in baking, from pies to cookies. Its warm and sweet profile makes it a staple.
Which aromatic spice is known for its extremely high cost?
SAFFRON is famously known as the world's most expensive spice due to the labor-intensive harvesting of its delicate stigmas. It's prized for its unique flavor and vibrant color.
How can identifying the number of letters help solve 'aromatic spice' crossword clues?
Knowing the letter count narrows down possibilities significantly. For instance, if you need a 5-letter word, 'CLOVE' is a strong candidate, whereas for an 8-letter word, 'CINNAMON' or 'ALLSPICE' become options. Always check other intersecting clues to confirm your choice and ensure it fits the puzzle's theme.