We’ve compiled the most comprehensive list of spices commonly used in cooking around the world. Admittedly, there are some minerals (salts) and some seasonings (spice and herb mixtures) as well – we include many of the most commonly used ingredients to flavor food, that are not herbs. In addition to an image of [almost] all the spices, we have included a couple recipes for your enjoyment. Please let us know if there are any other recipes you’d recommend in the comments. The definition of spice is a substance used in cooking to flavor food and comes from a dried plant, usually a powder or seed.