Temperatures cool down and the leaves begin to change color; telltale signs that fall is upon us! The changing seasons usher in seasonal foods, activities, and memories that connect us to this time of year. 

To combat the chill in the air, warming herbs and spices in your favorite fall baked goods, soups, and harvest dishes can give a cozy comfort. These fall spices not only make your meals more delicious, they also provide health benefits with every bite.

Let’s take a look at what warming spices for fall you might have in your pantry, or ones to stock up on, to enjoy in both savory and sweet dishes.

One quick note about your dried herbs and spices: They have a shelf life! Keep in mind that dried herbs typically last 1-3 years while ground or powdered spices typically last 2-3 years. Whole spices like whole cloves, peppercorns, or cinnamon sticks can last up to four years. This depends on proper processing and storage, so when in doubt, throw it out ‒ and start fresh with the best fall spices.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon comes from a tree bark that contains the essential oils that give it its distinct aroma. Whether you use a whole cinnamon stick to infuse flavor or you add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, this king of fall spices supports heart health and even helps regulate blood sugar.

Sweet: Cinnamon is the most popular of the fall baking spices and is used in sweet treats of all kinds – coffee cakes, snickerdoodle cookies, apple cider donuts, the list goes on. Add cinnamon to your favorite baked good this year to get in the fall spirit.

Savory: Cinnamon is also typically an ingredient in jerk seasonings that enhance its spicy, smoky flavors. Add jerk seasoning as a spice rub on your favorite protein to tickle your taste buds.

Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome, the edible ginger root, grows underground and is enjoyed in many different forms: fresh, dried, pickled, candied, and preserved. Ginger root is known for its gastrointestinal benefits that can ease nausea and indigestion and help improve circulation.

Sweet: Ground ginger in gingersnap cookies or crystallized ginger added to quick breads make a zesty treat.

Savory: Fresh ginger adds another level of spice and zing to dishes like Filipino chicken adobo or an Asian stir-fry.

Cloves

These little flower buds are the richest spice source of antioxidants. Clove oils have been used to remedy tooth pain, and the dried spice promotes healthy blood sugar levels. Cloves are used in their whole form to infuse flavor and can also be ground for a bolder benefit. Because of their complementary flavors, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg are often combined in recipes and spice blends.

Sweet: Ground cloves are a component in a chai spice mix. Try a chai tea latte the next time you need a warm pick-me-up and indulge in the bold clove flavor.

Savory: Whole cloves are perfect for pricking a holiday ham or studding a stuffed squash to add fragrant warm and earthy spice to the dish.

Cardamom

The seeds inside cardamom pods and their essential oils provide a complex flavor that lends itself to sweet or savory dishes. Cardamom benefits digestion, promotes healthy blood pressure, and even freshens breath. Whether you use the whole cardamom pods or the ground seeds, this might become your new favorite fall spice.

Sweet: Cardamom is a flavorful addition to custards, like crème brulée or cheesecake, and can even be infused into simple syrups for a fancy drink.

Savory: Whole cardamom pods can be added to soups, stews, or curries and removed at the end of cooking, like you would use a bay leaf. Ground cardamom adds a depth of flavor to any dry rub for meats or a seasoning blend for root vegetables. 

Nutmeg

Whole nutmeg might look like a nut but it’s actually a seed. This ground spice is often used with other warming spices, like cinnamon or cloves. Nutmeg is full of antioxidants and helps relieve inflammation. Nutmeg is believed to have a calming effect, helping to ease mental stress.

Sweet: Looking for an addictive snack? Candied pecans with nutmeg make a perfect fall snack or easy gift. The nutmeg adds a touch of warmth that pairs perfectly with sweetened, buttery pecans.

Savory: Nutmeg is often added to cream-based sauces to enhance and deepen the flavors. Add a dash of nutmeg to your bechamel and you won’t regret it.

Other spices for fall

Traditionally savory spices like turmeric, garlic, and cayenne also provide the warming effects and similar health benefits noted above. Turmeric is hailed for its anti-inflammatory compounds. Garlic is known for its antibiotic influence and can help kickstart digestion. Cayenne can benefit circulation and heart health and a little goes a long way with this hefty spice.

To include these warming herbs and spices for fall in your diet this year, make your own spice blends. Grab a glass jar and combine your favorite fall spices and herbs that will boost the flavor of any dish. 

Try the following homemade pumpkin pie spice. It’s perfect for pumpkin or apple desserts, sprinkled over ice cream or yogurt, or even brewed into your morning coffee or tea:

Pumpkin Pie Spice

  • Yield: about ¼ cup // Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves

Directions

  1. Mix the spices together in a small bowl. 
  2. Transfer to a jar for storage and use abundantly to enjoy the aromas of fall spices throughout the year!

Need more inspiration?

Check out these fall recipes from Thorne, featuring Daily Greens Plus – did someone say pumpkin spice latte? For another warming fall recipe, try this heart-healthy chipotle chicken chili.