Salt may be classed both as a condiment and as a food (see Ash). When used in moderation, it has undoubted value in diet. It is used in many types of foods, especially meats and vegetables. The flavor of sweet foods such as cakes and sweet sauces is invariably improved by the addition of a small quantity of salt.
Vinegar is an acid flavoring material prepared by fermenting apple or grape juice or other materials. It contains acetic acid.
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of a small tree. Like most spices, it contains a volatile oil, i.e. an oil which evaporates. Cinnamon is sometimes adulterated with cassia, a spice prepared from the bark of the cassia tree which grows in China and Dutch West Indies. Cassia is similar to cinnamon in flavor.
Cloves are the flower buds of an evergreen tree which grows in Brazil, Ceylon, and West Indies.
Nutmeg is the dried kernel of a fruit which grows on a tree native to the Malay Archipelago.
Ginger is the root of a tropical plant. It contains starch and oil of ginger.
Mustard is prepared from the seed of mustard plants.
Black pepper is obtained from the unripe berry of a tropical vine while white pepper is prepared from the ripe berries. The latter is not as pleasing in flavor as black pepper and is more expensive. It is sometimes desired, however, because of its more pleasing appearance.
Cayenne pepper is prepared from the dried ripe fruit of the Capsicum plant.
Paprika is also prepared from the fruit of the Capsicum plant, but the seeds and stems of the fruit are removed. It is a much milder spice than cayenne pepper.