Christmas is also a celebration for the nose; who wouldn’t associate the aroma of vanilla, cinnamon or cloves with Advent? Here, you will learn where these exotic spices come from and that they can do much more than just put the finishing touches to gluten-free Christmas baking. Other appropriate recipes, of course without gluten, can also be found in our Christmas special.


A hint of liquorice
Aniseed comes from China and Southeast Asia and tastes a bit like liquorice. It is hard to imagine spice cakes, Christmas bread and traditional Springerle biscuits without aniseed. Aniseed essential oil cures stomach cramps and flatulence, relieves coughing and is an expectorant.
Our recipe tip: Struffoli (little honey balls)

Today, ginger, which gives biscuits and cakes a certain je ne sais quoi, is mainly grown in India and China. The spice stimulates the digestion and circulation and helps to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Our recipe tip: Chocolate ginger biscuits


Good for the palate and the stomach
Aromatic cloves are found in Lebkuchen, Spekulatius biscuits, fruitcake and mulled wine. This festive spice thrives in many tropical countries. Clove oil has pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties, and boosts the appetite and digestion. By the way, an orange studded with cloves spreads a wonderfully festive smell throughout the entire house.
Our recipe tip: Roccoccò

Allspice tastes like a mixture of cloves, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon and makes Lebkuchen subtly and pleasantly spicy. This spice, which like all others supports digestion, originates from Central America.
Our recipe tip: Black bun


The scent of Christmas
Cardamom, which is grown e.g. in India, is one of the oldest spices in the world. Its spicy aroma adds the finishing touch to Lebkuchen, spicy biscuits and wintry teas. The essential oil of the cardamom seed has a slight antibacterial property, cures cramps and helps with stomach problems.
Our recipe tip: Gingerbread

Coriander, which is from the Eastern Mediterranean, has a similar effect and at Christmas it is traditionally used in Lebkuchen and Spekulatius.
Our recipe tip: Nut bread


A spice for the soul
The sweet smell of vanilla has a calming and uplifting effect, and it is even said that the vanilla pod is an aphrodisiac. The spice comes from Central America and India and is used throughout the whole year, not just at Christmas.
Our recipe tip: Vanilla snowflakes

Cinnamon stars, Lebkuchen, baked apples, mulled wines: Cinnamon is widely used throughout the Christmas period. The spice originates from Sri Lanka; its essential oil is very healthy as it reduces the blood sugar and fat levels, warms you from the inside, helps digestion and protects the heart.
Our recipe tip: Nut stars


Extra tip about storage
As spices loose their essential oils over time, you should only purchase them in small amounts and keep them cool and dry in closed containers. This is the only way that aniseed & co. can have their complete effect and release their full aroma.