A variety of foods rich in iron are spread on a wooden surface, grouped by type in a colourful, organised layout—perfect inspiration to reduce food waste at home whilst enjoying nutritious options like peanuts, white beans, parsley, and lentils.

As a home cook, there’s nothing more satisfying than preparing a meal that’s packed with flavour. Sometimes, all it takes is the right combination of spices and herbs to elevate a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. And when it comes to spices, seeds are often forgotten as a pantry essential. But these tiny treasures pack a major flavour punch and can enhance everything from meats to vegetables to baked goods. Here are ten seeds that every home cook should have on hand to take their meals to the next level.

Two bowls of poke salad sit on a wooden table. Each bowl is an easy poke bowl with seared tuna, spinach, carrots, red cabbage, edamame, and rice topped with sesame seeds. Chopsticks rest atop both bowls; a red serviette is beneath one bowl.

Cumin: This warm, earthy spice is used in many cuisines and is perfect for adding depth to curries, stews, and roasted meats. It also pairs well with beans and lentils and can be used in spice blends like taco seasoning.

Coriander: Another versatile seed, coriander has a citrusy, slightly sweet flavour that’s perfect for adding to marinades, sauces, and dressings. It’s also a staple in Indian and Thai cuisine.

Sesame: These nutty seeds can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Toasted sesame seeds add great flavour to stir fries, salads, and sushi. And sesame oil is a must-have for making Asian-inspired dressings and sauces.

Mustard: Mustard seeds come in yellow, brown, and black varieties, each with its distinct flavour. Yellow mustard seeds are milder and work well in pickling, while brown and black mustard seeds are stronger and can be used in spice blends or for making a bold flavoured mustard.

Fennel: These slightly sweet seeds have a licorice-like flavour and are often used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. They’re particularly delicious in sausage, tomato sauce, and bread.

Poppy: While often used in bread and baked goods, poppy seeds can also add great flavour to savoury dishes. They’re especially good in salad dressings or as a seasoning for roasted vegetables.

Cardamom: This fragrant seed is a staple in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine and is perfect for sweet and savoury dishes. Use organic ground cardamom in curries, rice dishes, and baked goods.

Flax: Not only are flax seeds loaded with healthy Omega-3s, but they also add great flavour to smoothies, oatmeal, and baked goods. Just be sure to grind them before adding them to your dish to release their full flavour.

Nigella: Also known as black cumin or onion seeds, these tiny black seeds have a nutty, onion-like flavour and are used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. They’re particularly delicious on bread, roasted vegetables, and in spice blends.

Cinnamon: Most commonly used in sweet dishes, cinnamon can also add great flavour to savoury dishes like curries and tagines. It has a warm, sweet flavour that pairs well with apple, pumpkin, and banana. Or perhaps for making mulled wine in the lead up to Christmas?

Conclusion:

Seeds may seem like a small addition to your pantry, but they can make a big impact on the flavour of your meals. From cumin to sesame to fennel, these ten seeds can add depth and complexity to everything from meats to vegetables to baked goods. So next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to stock up on these pantry essentials and take your cooking to the next level. Happy cooking!