The sweet, aromatic flavour of nutmeg has been highly prized since Roman times and together with pepper, ginger and cinnamon was one of the principle commodities of the early spice trade. Nutmeg is widely used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. It is used in baking and to flavour milk based desserts and sauces as well as in savoury dishes. It is usually used finely ground and occasionally in a kibbled form.

Cumin seeds have a full aromatic lemon flavour and are often used ground (see Cumin Ground). To prepare the seed yourself, first roast in a hot, dry, frying pan for a few minutes and then grind using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Cumin is an important ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking and is also used a s a topping for bread.