spice crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Looking for the answer to "spice crossword clue"? You've landed on the perfect page! We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions for all letter counts, along with clear explanations and helpful tips to conquer your next puzzle involving a culinary aromatic.
Solutions for "spice crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BAY: Aromatic leaf used in stews or soups.
4 Letters
DILL: An herb often used in pickles and seafood dishes.
MINT: Aromatic herb used in teas, desserts, and savory dishes.
SALT: Common seasoning, often a 'spice' in crossword contexts.
5 Letters
CLOVE: Dried flower bud, common in baking and mulled drinks.
CUMIN: Earthy spice, essential in Mexican and Indian cuisine.
CHILI: Dried fruit of the chili pepper plant, providing heat.
THYME: Woody herb widely used in Mediterranean cooking.
BASIL: Sweet, aromatic herb, a staple in Italian dishes.
6 Letters
NUTMEG: A popular baking spice, often grated freshly.
FENNEL: Aromatic spice from the plant's seeds, with a liquorice-like taste.
GINGER: Pungent root used fresh, dried, or powdered in cooking and baking.
PEPPER: Ubiquitous spice, usually black, white, or green ground berries.
WASABI: Pungent green paste or powder, commonly served with sushi.
GARLIC: A bulbous plant used as a flavoring in many cuisines.
7 Letters
PAPRIKA: Powdered spice made from dried red peppers, often used for color and mild flavor.
SAFFRON: The world's most expensive spice, known for its distinct color and aroma.
OREGANO: Aromatic herb of the mint family, popular in Italian and Greek food.
MUSTARD: Pungent seeds or paste, used as a condiment or flavor enhancer.
8 Letters
CINNAMON: Aromatic bark from a tree, widely used in sweet and savory dishes.
TURMERIC: Bright yellow-orange spice, main ingredient in curry powder.
CARDAMOM: Aromatic pod spice, used in both sweet and savory applications, especially in Indian and Scandinavian cooking.
ALLSPICE: Dried berry that tastes like a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
9 Letters
CORIANDER: Seeds of the cilantro plant, used whole or ground in many global cuisines.
More About "spice crossword clue"
Spices are aromatic and pungent plant products used primarily for flavoring, coloring, or preserving food. Unlike herbs, which typically come from the leafy green part of a plant, spices are derived from roots, bark, seeds, fruits, or flowers. From the fiery kick of chili to the warm embrace of cinnamon, spices are fundamental to cuisines around the globe, transforming simple ingredients into complex and memorable dishes.
When "spice" appears in a crossword clue, it can be a broad category. Setters often test solvers' knowledge of common culinary terms, historical ingredients, or even specific regional spices. The context of the clue, combined with the number of letters required, is crucial. For instance, a four-letter clue might point to DILL or SALT, while an eight-letter answer could be CINNAMON or TURMERIC.
Beyond common household names, crosswords sometimes feature more exotic or less frequently used spices. This encourages solvers to expand their culinary vocabulary and provides a fun challenge. Always consider the potential for both familiar and less obvious answers when encountering a "spice" clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check letter length first: Knowing the number of letters dramatically narrows down options for 'spice' clues, helping you focus on possible answers like CINNAMON (8) or CUMIN (5).
- Consider the cuisine: Is the puzzle hinting at Indian, Mexican, or European dishes? This can guide your spice choices, for example, SAFFRON for Mediterranean or CUMIN for Mexican.
- Think beyond the obvious: While PEPPER or GINGER are common, be prepared for less obvious spices like WASABI or SUMAC that might fit unusual letter patterns.
- Look for synonyms and related words: Clues might use 'flavoring,' 'condiment,' or 'aromatic plant' instead of 'spice' directly. Expand your thinking to related culinary terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a spice and an herb in crosswords?
While often used interchangeably in general conversation, herbs typically come from the leafy green part of a plant (like basil or parsley), and spices come from other parts like seeds, bark, roots, or fruits (like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pepper). Crossword setters might play on this distinction, so understanding it can give you an edge.
Why are 'salt' or 'sugar' sometimes clued as spices?
Although technically seasonings rather than true spices, in the broader context of culinary flavoring, crossword setters sometimes include them under 'spice' or 'flavoring' clues. This often happens when a short word is needed to fit the puzzle grid. Always consider common culinary terms and not just strict botanical definitions.
How can I improve my knowledge of spices for crosswords?
To better tackle 'spice' clues, familiarize yourself with common spices from various global cuisines. Pay attention to their origins, uses, and common pairings. A good general knowledge of cooking ingredients and culinary traditions can significantly help with not just 'spice' but all 'food' related clues in crosswords.