If you’ve been dreaming of adding a little spice to your life, look no further than your backyard. Imagine stepping out your door to pluck fresh spices straight from the garden – that’s right, New Zealand’s climate is perfect for growing more than veggies! With a little care, you can cultivate a variety of aromatic spices to add flavour to your cooking, self-care routine and even your wellbeing.
Spices have been treasured for thousands of years for their flavour, medicinal properties and even as symbols of wealth and power. In ancient times, they were traded along the Silk Road, linking Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The exchange of spices stimulated the first global age and the beginnings of economic globalisation. Today, spices have forever changed the eating habits of people who discovered new culinary experiences due to trade, which changed how we prepare, eat and appreciate food, says Fred Czarra in Spices: A Global History.
Spice up your cooking
Growing spices means going from garden to kitchen with just a few steps. Here are a couple of simple DIY spice mixes to elevate your cooking:
Homemade Spice Rub for Grilled Veggies or Meats
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon chilli powder (adjust for heat)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix all ingredients and rub onto veggies or meat before grilling. This blend brings warmth, smokiness and just the right amount of heat.
Soothing Golden Milk Blend
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of black pepper
Stir one teaspoon of this blend into warm milk (or a plant-based alternative) for a calming, anti-inflammatory drink, perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
Beyond the kitchen
Spices aren’t just for cooking. Many have powerful health and beauty benefits, too.
Turmeric is excellent for reducing inflammation and brightening the skin. To help with acne and give your complexion a glow, you can create a simple face mask with turmeric powder, honey and yoghurt.
Ginger tea is a fantastic remedy for nausea or an upset stomach. Freshly grated ginger steeped in hot water with a drizzle of honey can soothe digestive discomfort and warm you up on a chilly evening.
Sprinkle a little magic
Beyond the practical benefits, there’s something incredibly satisfying about growing spices. It brings magic into your everyday life – watching a tiny seed transform into something vibrant that enriches your food, supports your health and connects you to nature. Each plant reminds you of the care and patience you’ve invested, offering rewards far beyond the kitchen.
Adding a sprinkle of homegrown spices to your meals isn’t just about making food more delicious – it’s about celebrating the simple joys of nature, nurturing your wellbeing and feeling a sense of accomplishment every time you harvest from your garden. With every spice you grow, you’re sowing the seeds of a healthier, more flavourful and mindful lifestyle.
Grow your own
While we might not have the tropical climates of faraway spice islands, New Zealand’s temperate zones still provide excellent conditions for cultivating a range of spices. Here are a few easy-to-grow favourites:
Coriander: Also known as cilantro, this versatile herb has a zesty flavour that works wonders in cooking. Coriander seeds are used as a spice, while the leaves are more familiar as a fresh herb. Sow in cooler months and enjoy its vibrant green leaves in salsas and curries or sprinkled over a fresh salad. You can grind the seeds to a powder or paste to make a spice mix.
Turmeric: This bright orange root is not just a star of golden lattes; it’s also an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Grow turmeric in a warm, frost-free spot and use the fresh or dried root in smoothies, curries or as a natural dye for DIY beauty products.
Chilli peppers: Add some heat to your garden (and your meals). Chilli plants thrive in the warmer parts of Aotearoa. Whether you prefer mild or fiery, fresh or dried, chillies bring a fantastic kick to everything from soups to marinades.
Ginger: Another warming spice, ginger, can be grown in pots or garden beds in the warmer areas of New Zealand. Its peppery zing is great in teas, stir-fries and even desserts, and the spice is an excellent remedy for nausea and digestion issues.
Bay leaf: Although not as flashy as the others, bay leaves are incredibly useful in the kitchen. A bay tree is easy to grow and can live for decades. Just toss a few leaves into soups, stews or sauces for a depth of flavour that’s hard to beat.
