The Most Underrated Spices You Need in Your Kitchen

19. Pink Peppercorns: The Sweet Floral Kick

Though not true peppercorns, pink peppercorns bring a lightly spicy, floral warmth to both sweet and savory dishes. Their delicate crunch and subtle heat make them ideal for salads, seafood, or even desserts like chocolate truffles and shortbread. They also make for stunning garnishes. Their flavor is closer to a mix of citrus and berries than classic pepper, and they pair especially well with creamy cheeses or fatty meats. Just a sprinkle can elevate a dish’s presentation and flavor in one go. A spice rack showstopper that deserves real culinary attention.

20. Caraway: The Underrated Backbone

Caraway seeds have a distinct, slightly bitter flavor with notes of anise, citrus, and pepper. While often associated with rye bread and European cuisine, they offer a lot more: caraway enhances roasted vegetables, stews, sauerkraut, and even cheese-based dishes. Its warm, earthy bite can act as a bridge between sweet and savory in unexpected ways. Used whole or ground, caraway also promotes digestion and is often used in herbal teas. If you’ve overlooked it since a childhood brush with rye bread, give it another shot—it’s more versatile than you remember.