Spices of the world quiz
Spice up your general knowledge.
10 multiple-choice questions, with the answer explained after each one.
Answer each question, see why, and beat your best score.
All 10 questions and answers
Want to check an answer or run the quiz out loud? Every question is here, with the answer hidden until you open it.
- Saffron comes from which part of a plant?
- Dried roots
- Seeds of a pepper
- The stigmas of a crocus flower
- Tree bark
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The stigmas of a crocus flower. It takes many flowers to make a few grams, which is why it's the most expensive spice.
- Cinnamon comes from…
- A berry
- A root
- A flower bud
- The inner bark of a tree
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The inner bark of a tree. It's dried into rolled quills (sticks).
- Which spice gives many curries their yellow colour?
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Saffron
- Cumin
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Turmeric. Its colour comes from curcumin.
- Black and white peppercorns come from…
- A mushroom
- The same plant
- Different plants
- A cactus
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The same plant. White pepper has the outer layer removed.
- Vanilla comes from the pods of which plant?
- A palm
- A bean bush
- An orchid
- A lily
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An orchid. Vanilla pods are hand-pollinated in many places.
- Garam masala is…
- A herb
- A blend of spices
- A type of chilli
- A single seed
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A blend of spices. Recipes vary by region and family.
- Paprika is made from…
- Dried, ground peppers (capsicum)
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Tomatoes
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Dried, ground peppers (capsicum). It can be sweet, hot or smoked.
- Nutmeg and mace come from…
- The same fruit
- Seaweed
- Different continents
- Tree bark
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The same fruit. Mace is the lacy red covering of the nutmeg seed.
- What chemical makes chillies hot?
- Menthol
- Curcumin
- Caffeine
- Capsaicin
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Capsaicin. Its heat is measured in Scoville units.
- Which spice is often called the 'queen of spices'?
- Ginger
- Coriander
- Cardamom
- Clove
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Cardamom. Green cardamom is widely used in Indian chai.