Cedar spice refers to spice ingredients derived from the wood, leaves, berries, or oil of cedar trees. There are a few main types of cedar spices used in cuisines around the world:
Cedarwood
Cedarwood comes from the fragrant wood of cedar trees. It imparts a woody, earthy aroma and slightly bitter, astringent taste. The most common species used for cedarwood spice include:
- Atlas cedar – Cedrus atlantica
- Texas cedar – Juniperus ashei
- Lebanon cedar – Cedrus libani
- Himalayan cedar – Cedrus deodara
Cedarwood is often sold as wood chips, shavings, or sawdust. It can be used to smoke meats or infuse foods during cooking. Cedarwood’s strong aroma stands up well to bold flavors like garlic, chili peppers, citrus, onions, barbeque sauce, tomatoes, and beans.
Cedar Leaves
Fresh or dried cedar leaves are used to impart flavor in some Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. The leaves have a gentle, sweet, refreshing scent. Types of cedar leaves used as spice include:
- Mediterranean cypress – Cupressus sempervirens
- Atlas cedar – Cedrus atlantica
Cedar leaves work well in rice dishes, soups, stews, meat rubs, and marinades. They pair nicely with lemon, yogurt, tahini, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon.
Cedar Berries
The blue berries from cedar trees are occasionally used as a zesty, tangy spice. Species used include:
- Juniper – Juniperus communis
- Eastern redcedar – Juniperus virginiana
Cedar berries have citrusy, pine-like notes. They are usually dried and ground into a powder. Cedar berries pair well with game meats like venison, beef, and duck. They add intrigue to hearty stews and rich braised meats. A little goes a long way due to their intense flavor.
Cedar Oil
Cedarwood essential oil is steam distilled from cedar wood chips and stumps. The main components are alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, and thujopsene. Cedar oil has a woody, balsamic, slightly camphoraceous aroma. It is used to infuse foods and beverages with the flavor and scent of cedarwood.
A few drops can be added to marinades, dressings, soups, beverages, and more. Cedar oil works well in small amounts and blends nicely with citrus, herbs like rosemary, and spices like black pepper. Too much cedar oil can overpower a dish.
What dishes use cedar spice?
Here are some traditional and creative ways cedar spice ingredients are used around the world:
| Cedar Ingredient | Dishes and Uses |
|---|---|
| Cedarwood |
|
| Cedar Leaves |
|
| Cedar Berries |
|
| Cedar Oil |
|
What are the flavor profiles and food pairings?
The varying cedar spice ingredients provide an array of flavor profiles to work with:
- Cedarwood – Woody, earthy, smoky, slightly bitter
- Cedar Leaves – Sweet, refreshing, gentle
- Cedar Berries – Sharp, tangy, pine-like, citrusy
- Cedar Oil – Balsamic, woody, slightly medicinal
These flavors pair well with:
- Cedarwood – Garlic, chili, barbeque sauce, beans, tomatoes, onions
- Cedar Leaves – Yogurt, lemon, rice, cinnamon, tahini
- Cedar Berries – Game meats, mushrooms, red wine, rosemary
- Cedar Oil – Citrus, herbs like rosemary, black pepper, breads
What are the health benefits?
Research on cedarwood spice ingredients suggests some potential health benefits:
- Antioxidant effects – Protects cells from damage, benefits heart health
- Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation associated with chronic diseases
- Antimicrobial – Inhibits growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses
- Insect repellent – Deters pests like moths and mosquitos
Cedarwood and cedar leaves, in particular, have been associated with these benefits. However, more research is still needed on clinical effects in humans.
How to buy and store cedar spice
Cedarwood chips and shavings are widely available online and in some specialty spice shops. Cedar leaves can be found at Middle Eastern grocery stores. Cedar berries may be sold as juniper berries. Cedar essential oil is available online and in stores like aromatherapy shops.
To preserve freshness and aroma, store cedar spice ingredients in airtight containers in a cool, dark place away from light and humidity. Refrigeration can help cedarwood and leaves maintain quality for several months. Cedar berries and oil will keep for 1-2 years.
Conclusion
Cedar spice comes from the wood, leaves, berries, and essential oil of different cedar tree varieties. It provides a range of warm, woodsy, tangy flavors to cuisine. Cedarwood, leaves, berries, and oil can each be used in unique ways to complement meats, vegetables, rice dishes, beverages, and more. With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, cedar spice may also promote health. But more studies are still needed on its benefits. Overall, cedar spice delivers robust, intriguing flavor to spice up cooking.