Allspice is a dried berry that resembles large peppercorns and can be used ground or whole.  It is warm and sweetly pungent with a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, with undertones of pepper. 

Basil (also called sweet basil) thrives in warm climates.  It has a sweet, minty and slightly peppery flavor with undertones of clove and allspice. 

Basil is a favorite in Greek and Italian cooking.  It is a natural compliment to tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and squash and is delicious in pastas and soups.   Italian pizza and spaghetti sauces owe much of their distinctive flavor to basil.  Sprinkle a little in scrambled eggs for a bright wake-up flavor. 

Black pepper has an aromatic and pungent bouquet and a very fiery flavor.  It was known in India over 4000 years ago where it was highly valued and often used in trade.    

Brown caraway is pleasantly aromatic, with a warm and slightly sharp taste. Its flavor is similar to a combination of dill and anise.

Cardamom seeds grow in pods on a ginger-like plant.  Its pungent flavor is reminiscent of eucalyptus with lemony undertones. 

Cayenne has a dusty and slightly aromatic bouquet with a hot, pungent bite.  It should be used sparingly, adding small amounts at a time to control the intensity of the heat. 

Cinnamon has a sweet and mellow flavor, with a gentle warmth.  Its use goes back to pre-biblical times. 

Cinnamon's warm, sweet fragrance and flavor is universally popular.  It is used in cakes, puddings and apple pie.  It is also used throughout the world to flavor savory dishes ranging from Moroccan tajines to Mexican moles.  A dash of cinnamon will add a wonderful undertone to chocolate. 

Citric acid is a natural derivative of citrus and other fruits and is used wherever lemony tartness is desired.  It is used as an effective preservative in many products.  

Citric acid is often used in candies and beverages to produce a tart taste.  It is also added to jams and jellies to compliment the fruit flavors.  At home, citric acid can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, by dissolving 1 tbsp citric acid in 1 cup water.  Stored in the refrigerator, this lemony liquid is convenient to keep on hand when lemons aren't readily available

Cloves are very aromatic and have a warm, sweet and pungent flavor with a medium heat level.

Cloves are very aromatic and have a warm, sweet and pungent flavor with a medium heat level.

Cloves are often added to spice blends which are used in meat dishes, pilafs and soups, especially in the Middle East and North Africa.  Since it is a pungent spice, it should be used sparingly, or it will overpower the other flavors of the dish.