Spices have always been jealously guarded and a source of fascination. Many a caravan has crossed rivers, deserts and cities loaded with these plants that once were more valuable than gold. With their garlands of hot peppers, a fabulous range of colours, and heady aromas, Hédiard's shops are real Ali Baba caves containing more than a hundred of these treasures with their very rare flavours and exquisite aromas. Our latest discoveries are within your reach!

"Silk Route" blend of spices: the aromas of travel

Colombo, rose petals, cloves, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek, star anise, ginger, coriander, cardamom, etc. This surprising mixture of flowers and seasonings takes us on the Silk Route, to meet up with the cooking of Persia, India and China. It gives everyday dishes an oriental touch, adding its aromas to pilaf, simmered lamb dishes, etc, and enhances the flavour of chocolate truffles.

Black Pepper from Malabar: the ancestor of all types of pepper

It is in south-west India, on the Malabar coast, where the best pepper in the world is to be found, that an ancestor grows – black pepper. Once it has dried in the sun, the berry – which grows on a perennial climbing vine and is picked when it is barely ripe – turns dark brown in colour. Its delicate woody, fruity flavour, its pleasantly sweet acidity, its warmth and the persistence of its flavour in the mouth combine make it equally appropriate for both savoury and sweet dishes.

Blue Persian Salt - rare and extremely pure

Collected in the salt mines of the Iranian mountains, this salt owes its surprising blue colour to the potassium ore it contains. Non-iodised and extremely pure, it adds a touch of extravagance and a surprising flavour to everyday cooking.