Why You Should Make Your Own Spice Blends (And How to Do It Right)

There’s something magical about making your own spice blends at home. You start with whole, fragrant spices, carefully roast them to release their oils, grind them fresh, and—voilà!—you’ve just crafted a mix that will elevate your next dish. It’s easier than it sounds, and the rewards are well worth it. Let’s dive into why.

Table of Contents

1. Why Making Your Own Spice Mixes is Better
2. The Benefits of Using Whole Spices
3. Customization: Adjust to Your Taste
4. Pick High-Quality Ingredients
5. Tools You’ll Need (and How to Use Them)
6. Tips and Tricks for Using and Storing Your Spice Mixes
7. Spice Mix Recipes to Get You Started

1. Why Making Your Own Spice Mixes is Better

When you make your own spice blends, you’re in control of freshness, flavor, and quality. Whole spices hold their flavor and aroma much longer than pre-ground options, and when you grind them just before use, the flavor release is immediate and powerful.

Store-bought blends might sit on a shelf for months, slowly losing their vibrancy. By making your own, you’re ensuring that each batch you create is as fresh and potent as possible, bringing the best possible flavors to your meals.

Plus, with homemade blends, you can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, whether it’s cutting back on the heat or boosting the garlic. And once you’ve tried it, you’ll find it hard to go back.

2. The Benefits of Using Whole Spices

Whole spices are like tiny flavor vaults, locking in essential oils and aromas. The longer spices stay whole, the longer they retain their peak flavor. This is why, when you grind them yourself right before using them, you unlock the freshest, boldest flavors.

Additionally, grinding spices right after toasting them elevates the flavor even more. Lightly roasting spices in a pan before grinding releases their natural oils, giving your mixes a richer, deeper taste profile.

3. Customization: Adjust to Your Taste

Making your own spice blends lets you completely tailor the mix to your preferences. Don’t love too much heat? Tone down the cayenne in your Cajun seasoning. Want your BBQ rub to have more smokiness? Add more smoked paprika.

Here are a couple of ideas:

• Cajun Seasoning: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper—perfect for chicken, shrimp, or even fries.
• BBQ Rub: Smoked paprika, brown sugar, mustard powder, garlic, onion, chili powder, and black pepper—a versatile rub for grilling or smoking meats.

The flexibility of adjusting a blend’s balance is one of the key reasons to make it yourself—you’re not stuck with a mass-produced flavor profile.

4. Pick High-Quality Ingredients

When you make your own spice mixes, you have full control over the quality of ingredients. You can choose organic or fair-trade spices, source locally, or buy from reputable online shops specializing in freshness. This control means you can avoid additives, preservatives, or lower-quality spices often used in pre-packaged blends.

5. Tools You’ll Need (and How to Use Them)

You don’t need much to start making your own spice blends, but a few key tools will make the process easier and more enjoyable:

• Spice Grinder or Mortar and Pestle: Electric spice grinders are efficient, but a mortar and pestle gives you more control and a tactile experience. Whichever you choose, fresh grinding makes all the difference. If you don't have either, here are two recommendations:

Amazon Basics Electric Coffee Grinder, Coffee Bean and Spice Grinder

• Pan for Roasting: Lightly roast whole spices in a dry pan for just a few minutes to release their oils and deepen the flavor. Watch carefully—spices can burn quickly! We're going to assume you have a pan so we will skip this recommendation :D
• Airtight Containers: Store your spice mixes in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Glass jars or tins work well, but keep them out of direct light and away from heat. AllSpice 3” Glass Spice Jars is a good option for airtight jars as they are small enough for small batches. 

6. Tips and Tricks for Using and Storing Your Spice Mixes

• Storage: Always store your spice mixes in a cool, dark place in airtight containers to avoid exposure to light, air, and moisture, which degrade flavor.
• Make Small Batches: It’s tempting to make large batches of your favorite mix, but fresh is always better. Try making just enough to last a month or two for peak flavor.
• Grind Just Before Use: If possible, grind your spices right before using them to ensure you’re getting the freshest flavor.
• How Much to Use: Freshly ground spices tend to be stronger than pre-ground varieties, so start small and taste as you go.

7. Spice Mix Recipes to Get You Started

Taco Seasoning:

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)

Garam Masala:

• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp cinnamon stick
• 3 cardamom pods

Lightly roast the whole spices, grind them, and store in an airtight jar.

Making your own spice blends at home isn’t just about flavor—it’s about creativity and control. You get to choose the best ingredients, customize them to your liking, and enjoy the freshest flavors in your dishes. So grab some whole spices, a grinder, and start experimenting!