Kitchen Witch Pantry Essentials: 12 Herbs and Spices and How to Use Them

A kitchen witch pantry is simply a shelf of herbs and spices you love, labeled and within reach. These twelve are affordable, easy to find and useful in everyday cooking. In folklore, each one also carries a traditional meaning, which makes cooking feel a little more intentional.

Note: the magical meanings below come from folklore and tradition. Culinary herbs are generally safe in normal food amounts, but check with a doctor before using any herb medicinally, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or on medication.

12 pantry essentials

• Rosemary: piney and warm. Roast potatoes, bread and chicken. Folklore: remembrance and protection.
• Thyme: earthy and gentle. Soups, stews and roasted vegetables. Folklore: courage.
• Sage: savory and slightly peppery. Brown butter, stuffing and pork. Folklore: wisdom.
• Bay leaves: add depth to stews and sauces. Folklore: success and wishes.
• Cinnamon: sweet and warm. Baking, tea and oatmeal. Folklore: warmth and prosperity.
• Cloves: strong and sweet. Mulled drinks and orange pomanders. Folklore: protection.
• Star anise: licorice-like. Simmer pots, broths and mulled cider. Folklore: luck.
• Ginger: spicy and bright. Tea, gingerbread and stir-fries. Folklore: energy.
• Lavender: floral. Shortbread, honey and tea. Folklore: calm.
• Chamomile: apple-like and soft. Bedtime tea and honey. Folklore: peace.
• Mint: cool and fresh. Tea, desserts and salads. Folklore: freshness and clarity.
• Black pepper: sharp and warming. Almost everything. Folklore: boundaries.

How to set up your shelf

1. Choose one shelf or a small corner near the stove.
2. Decant herbs into glass jars and label them with the name and the date.
3. Keep jars away from heat and direct sun so the flavor lasts.
4. Add one new herb every month as you learn how to use it.

Next, try pairing your pantry with a simmer pot or a tea blend from the Kitchen Witch recipes on this blog.