The Surprising History Behind The Herbs And Spices In Your Kitchen

Every great meal has a secret ingredient. On National Herbs and Spices Day, celebrated annually on June 10, food lovers across the UK are being encouraged to appreciate the herbs and spices that transform ordinary dishes into memorable dining experiences. The annual event highlights the role these ingredients play in cooking, culture, history and even local economies.

In Newcastle, where food culture has evolved dramatically over the past decade, herbs and spices have become central to a growing restaurant scene that blends traditional North East favourites with influences from around the world. From Indian curries and Middle Eastern street food to modern British cuisine, flavour is firmly on the menu.

Newcastle's Growing Appetite For Global Flavours.

Newcastle's city centre is home to dozens of restaurants serving dishes inspired by cultures from every corner of the globe. The increasing popularity of international cuisine mirrors wider UK trends, with consumers showing growing interest in experimenting with herbs and spices at home and when dining out. Market analysts report that the UK herbs and spices sector continues to grow steadily, driven by demand for global flavours, plant-based foods and healthier cooking options.

Food industry forecasts suggest the UK spices market could exceed £850 million in annual value within the next few years, with growth fuelled by younger consumers who enjoy exploring new tastes and recipes.

For Newcastle businesses, that trend has translated into stronger demand for specialist ingredients, independent food markets and authentic international dining experiences.

The Herbs And Spices Britons Use Most.

While adventurous flavours continue to grow in popularity, several herbs and spices remain household staples across Britain.

Black pepper remains one of the UK's most commonly used spices, appearing in millions of meals every day. Cinnamon is frequently used in baking and hot drinks, while turmeric has enjoyed a surge in popularity thanks to growing consumer awareness surrounding health and wellness. Ginger, garlic and cumin have also become kitchen essentials for many households.

Among herbs, basil, parsley, mint, rosemary and thyme continue to dominate supermarket shelves. Fresh herbs are increasingly popular as consumers seek ways to add flavour without relying heavily on salt or processed sauces.

Surprising Facts About Herbs And Spices.

Many readers may be surprised to learn that spices once shaped global history.

Pepper was so valuable during parts of history that it was used as currency and even demanded as ransom during the siege of Rome in 410 AD. Nutmeg became so valuable at one point that it was reportedly worth more than its weight in gold.

The modern celebration itself is relatively recent. National Herbs and Spices Day has been observed in its current form since around 2015, although earlier references to a similar Herb Day date back to the late 1990s.

Herbs and spices have also been used for thousands of years in cooking, medicine and food preservation traditions across numerous civilisations.

The Health Benefits Driving Consumer Interest.

One reason herbs and spices continue to grow in popularity is their association with healthier eating habits.

Turmeric is widely recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger is often linked to digestive support. Cinnamon has been studied for its potential role in helping manage blood sugar levels, and peppermint remains a popular natural remedy for nausea.

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly choosing herbs and spices to enhance flavour naturally without adding excess sugar, salt or fat. This shift has helped drive significant growth in the UK market.

The Hidden Crime Behind The Spice Trade.

While herbs and spices are usually associated with cooking and wellness, they have also attracted criminal activity throughout history.

Globally, high-value spices such as saffron and vanilla are among the most frequently targeted agricultural products due to their significant market value. International reports regularly highlight thefts from farms and supply chains where premium spices can command thousands of pounds per kilogram.

In the UK, spice-related crime is relatively uncommon compared with other food theft offences. However, organised retail crime affecting supermarkets and food wholesalers continues to rise nationally, with food products increasingly targeted due to inflation and rising living costs. Industry groups have warned that shoplifting and supply chain theft remain ongoing challenges for retailers across Britain.

Although no major UK crime category exists specifically for herbs and spices, experts note that premium food products often become more attractive to thieves during periods of economic pressure.

Why Newcastle Residents Should Celebrate.

National Herbs and Spices Day provides an opportunity for Newcastle residents to explore new cuisines, support local restaurants and discover fresh ingredients available from independent traders across the city.

Whether enjoying a curry on the Quayside, visiting Grainger Market, or experimenting with fresh rosemary and thyme at home, the celebration encourages people to appreciate the ingredients that quietly shape everyday meals.

The city's diverse food scene reflects the wider story of herbs and spices themselves. Ingredients once transported across continents now bring communities together around the dinner table.

A Celebration Of Flavour And Food Culture.

National Herbs and Spices Day may seem like a niche food awareness event, but it highlights something that affects nearly everyone. Herbs and spices are woven into daily life, influencing everything from family recipes and restaurant menus to global trade and cultural identity.

As Newcastle continues to embrace new culinary influences while celebrating traditional North East hospitality, June 10 offers the perfect excuse to add a little extra flavour to the day.

Food trends may come and go, but the humble herb and spice remain at the heart of great cooking.

What is the one herb or spice you simply could not live without