Bay leaves are a fragrant leaf from the laurel tree used as an herb. Bay leaves are available whole—either fresh or dried—or ground into a powder. The leaves are added to slow-cooked recipes, such as soups, sauces, and stews, and are removed before serving the dish. They have a floral and herbal scent reminiscent of oregano and thyme and are used more often than any other herb.

Black pepper is the dried berry of a flowering vine called Piper nigrum, which fruits in clusters like grapes. Technically, peppercorns are drupes, or stone fruits, like cherries and peaches. To make black pepper, farmers harvest the still-green unripe peppercorns and dry them either by machine or in the sun, which causes the thin fruit layer to darken and wither, raisin-like, around the seed, resulting in the characteristic dark, puckered peppercorns you load into your pepper grinder.

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, snackfoods, tea and traditional foods. The aroma and flavour of cinnamon derive from its essential oil and principal component, cinnamaldehyde, as well as numerous other constituents including eugenol.

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, snackfoods, tea and traditional foods. The aroma and flavour of cinnamon derive from its essential oil and principal component, cinnamaldehyde, as well as numerous other constituents including eugenol.

For a traditional Belgian witbier, freshly ground coriander seed is a must. Great when combined with orange peel.

To use, grind whole coriander seeds in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Add 1/2 to 1 oz per 5 gallons of wort during the last 5 minutes of the boil.

Cumin seeds are harvested by hand from an annual plant; they are small, boat-shaped, and resemble caraway seeds. The most common variety of cumin is a brownish-yellow color, although you can also sometimes find black cumin, green cumin, and white cumin. You will find whole seeds in Indian recipes (also called jeera) and ground cumin as an ingredient in Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes, as well as chili, barbecue sauce, baked beans, soups, and marinades. Cumin is a typical ingredient in chili powder and is also often found in other spice blends such as garam masala, curry powder, achiote blends, adobos, berbere, and bahaarat.

Green Sichuan peppercorns are cousins of the more popular red Sichuan peppercorns.

Like their red kin, green Sichuan peppercorns are not spicy-hot. Instead, they taste citrus-like and produce numbing micro-vibrations in the mouth when eaten, setting the stage for spicy chilies in classic Sichuan cuisine.

Paradise Seed has a peppery zing to it, similar to peppercorns but not as strong. It also brings a balance of citrus notes and an earthy pine aroma. Typically used in Belgian-Style specialty and holiday beers. Crush lightly before using and add to the boil anywhere from the last 5 minutes through flame-out. Combine with Licorice Root and Sweet Orange Peel for a great Belgian Holiday beer.

An essential ingredient in Sichuan cooking, Sichuan peppercorns give spicy Sichuan dishes their unique mouth-numbing quality. Along with spicy Chinese chilies, they create a flavor known as mala, or “numbing-spicy.” This unique taste profile is characteristic of dishes from Sichuan Province in southwestern China.

Ingredient comes from Steepers Tea Shop in Campbell.

Star anise is the seed pod from the fruit of the Illicium verum plant, an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China. The star anise pod, which is shaped like a star (hence its name), has an average of eight points, each containing a single pea-sized seed. Both the seeds and the pod are used in cooking and contain the sweet, potent anise flavor. Star anise is sold whole and ground.

Traditionally used in Belgian beers, these Sweet Orange Peels will not give you a metallic taste like some other kinds of Oranges tend to do. If you are familiar with the taste of Grand Marnier, this is the sort of flavor you will find in these peels. Great for that added depth in your holiday beer, strong ales, and Belgians. Add about 1/2 ounce per 5 gallons for the last 15 minutes of the boil. Can be combined with Paradise seed and Honey for added depth.