Many people have become so accustomed to familiar food and flavor combinations that they occasionally forget that there are many delicious ways to season even the most humble foods. For example, many vegetables are often just tossed with butter, seasoned with salt and pepper and served. Such a shame, when the flavor of many vegetables can be enhanced by a fresh perspective on seasoning. While the number of vegetable and seasoning combination are infinite, here are some suggestions to help you look at these staples in a fresh new way. Try any of these seasonings to complement the vegetable or fruit for which it is recommended.

Beets - Star Anise, Allspice, Basil, Dill, Ginger, Mint

Bell Peppers - Basil, Oregano, Rosemary

Broccoli - Red Pepper, Savory, Turmeric

Cabbage - Caraway Seeds, Celery Seed, Juniper Berries, Tarragon

Carrots - Allspice, Star Anise, Bay Leaf, Caraway Seeds, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Mint, Sage, Tarragon

Cauliflower - Chives, Coriander, Sage, Turmeric

Corn – Basil, Chives, Dill Seeds, Oregano

Cucumbers - Dill, Mint

Eggplant - Basil, Cumin, Marjoram, Oregano

Fennel - Caraway Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Rosemary, Thyme

Green Beans - Basil, Dill, Garlic, Onion, Savory

Mushrooms- Black Pepper, Marjoram, Nutmeg, parsley, oregano, sage, tarragon, thyme

Onion - caraway seed, mustard seed, nutmeg, Oregano, Sage, Thyme

Peas - Mint, Onion, Parsley, Rosemary, Tarragon, Turmeric

Potatoes - Caraway Seeds, Chives, Dill, Dill Seeds, Paprika, Parsley, Thyme, Turmeric

Spinach - Dill, Nutmeg, Tarragon

Sweet Potatoes - Allspice, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg

Tomatoes - Basil, Cilantro, Cumin, Fennel Seeds, Garlic, Oregano, Red Pepper, Black Pepper, Rosemary, Saffron, Tarragon, Thyme

Zucchini - Basil, Oregano

 Fruits often suffer the same fate as vegetables when it comes to seasoning. All too often they are tossed with a little sugar and served. Hopefully these suggestions will help you think beyond granulated sugar. Some may be familiar and others a surprise, but all of them sound delicious. 

Apples - Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Nutmeg

Berries - Black Pepper, Mint, Star Anise

Cranberries - Cloves, Ginger

Mangoes - Cilantro

Oranges- Cardamom, Fennel Seed, Mint, Thyme

Peaches- Cloves, Nutmeg

Pears- Bay Leaf, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Star Anise

Pineapple- Cloves, Ginger, Lemongrass, Mint, Rosemary Leaf

Plums- Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Star Anise

Sources:
Quick from Scratch, Herbs and Spices
American Express Publishing Company, 1998

Add Spice to Your Life, Sarah L. Francis, PhD, MHS, RD
University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension, 2007