In the biblical world, herbs and spices were far more than simple flavorings. They were valuable commodities used for medicine, fragrance, and religious rituals, and were a key part of the ancient trade economy. The aromas that filled the air of the tabernacle and the homes of the Israelites came from the same plants that flavored their food.
This category celebrates the power of these aromatic plants. Here, you’ll find a guide to the most common herbs and spices of the era, from the wild hyssop used for purification to the precious myrrh and frankincense of the trade routes. Explore how these simple additions transformed everyday meals and played a vital role in the stories of the Bible.
1. Hyssop
A small, woody plant with a strong, aromatic flavor, hyssop was used for both culinary and ritual purposes. It is most famously mentioned in the Bible for sprinkling sacrificial blood during purification ceremonies. Its leaves were used to add a slightly bitter, peppery note to stews and roasted meat.
2. Cumin
This small seed was a popular and widely-used spice, mentioned by both prophets and in the Gospels. Its earthy, pungent flavor was essential for seasoning bread, pottage, and roasted meat. Cumin was so common that it was used to measure a farmer’s tithes.
3. Coriander
The prophet Moses described manna as being “like coriander seed.” This spice was highly valued for its sweet, citrusy flavor. It was often used to flavor bread, cakes, and other sweets, and was also a key ingredient in many medicinal preparations.
4. Mint
A common garden herb, mint was a familiar scent and flavor in the ancient world. Jesus mentions it as a tithing spice, showing how everyday it was. Its strong, fresh flavor was used to season savory dishes, and its leaves could be added to water for a refreshing drink.
5. Dill
Similar to mint, dill was a common plant grown for both its seeds and leaves. It was used in many dishes for its unique, licorice-like flavor. The leaves were often added to salads and stews, while the seeds were used to spice bread.
6. Cinnamon
A valuable spice from far-off lands, cinnamon was a key item in ancient trade. It was highly prized for its sweet and woody fragrance. In the Bible, it is mentioned as part of the holy anointing oil, but its sweet aroma also meant it was used to flavor desserts and beverages.
7. Myrrh
Another rare and expensive import, myrrh was more than just a burial spice. Its bitter, resinous flavor was sometimes used in small quantities to flavor wine, adding a distinct and aromatic note. It was also valued for its medicinal and antiseptic properties.
8. Frankincense
Known as one of the gifts of the wise men, frankincense was a costly and highly aromatic resin. Its primary use was for incense in temple worship, creating a sweet-smelling smoke that symbolized prayers rising to God. While not a culinary ingredient, its fragrance was a significant part of the biblical world’s sensory experience.
9. Salt
The most essential seasoning in the ancient world, salt was valued as a preservative, a purifier, and a key trade item. Jesus called his disciples the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), symbolizing its preserving and purifying qualities. It was used to flavor virtually all foods and was a required component of many sacrifices.
10. Saffron
A precious and highly valued spice, saffron was prized for its rich color and delicate aroma. Mentioned in the Song of Solomon (4:14), it was used to color and flavor foods, and was also valued for its medicinal properties and as a luxurious dye.
11. Galbanum
A pungent, aromatic resin, galbanum was a key ingredient in the holy incense formula for the tabernacle. Its strong scent was believed to have medicinal properties, and it was often burned with other, sweeter spices to create a complex aroma during ritual offerings.
12. Cassia
A type of cinnamon, cassia was a common import and a key ingredient in the holy anointing oil described in Exodus 30:24. It has a flavor similar to cinnamon but is known for a slightly more intense and spicy fragrance. It was used for perfumes and to add warmth to dishes.
13. Aloes
Known for its medicinal properties and use in perfumes, aloes were used in the burial preparation of Jesus, as described in John 19:39. They were a costly aromatic and were ground and mixed with other spices to create a fragrant ointment.
14. Spikenard
A highly valuable and fragrant oil, spikenard was an extremely expensive perfume. In the Gospel of Mark 14:3, a woman anoints Jesus with a jar of spikenard, an act that symbolized immense devotion due to its costliness. It was likely too expensive for common use and reserved for special occasions.
15. Balm of Gilead
This sweet-smelling resin, known as Balm of Gilead, was highly sought after for its soothing and healing properties. The prophet Jeremiah mentions it for its medicinal reputation, and it was a key trade item, used to treat wounds and calm ailments.
16. Mustard Seed
While not a spice in the modern sense, the mustard seed was famously used by Jesus in a parable to illustrate the growth of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 13:31). The plant’s small seeds were used as a flavoring, and the leaves could be eaten as greens.