Food & Cooking Our Test Kitchen Says These Are the 9 Spices Every Cook Needs Of course you can have more, but these are the essentials. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 18, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Peter Ardito From Aleppo pepper to za'atar, there are so many spices to fill your spice rack with. If you cook Indian food or love Thai flavors, you'll have certain ones always on hand. For a general spice library, our food editors recommend, and rely on, these nine essentials: Peter Ardito Crushed red-pepper flakesGround gingerWhole allspiceCumin seedsGround cinnamonSweet paprikaCayenne pepperWhole clovesWhole nutmeg They suggest buying longer-lasting whole spices whenever possible, and grinding them as needed. (Ground spices taste fresh for about six months; give them a quick sniff before use to check potency.) Buy those you need less frequently in the smallest containers possible, and store all spices in a pantry or another cool, dark, dry spot. (MAKE: These Delicious Desserts That Star Cinnamon) BONUS: EASY SEASONING For pork, chicken, or fish, this makes a great seasoning: Combine 4 teaspoons sweet paprika, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; store in a jar for up to 3 months. Watch the right way to grind spices: Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit