Spices are seemingly small, but in fact a very important ingredient of most dishes. Aromatic additives, usually in the form of dried and powdered parts of plants, are meant to change the taste, smell and sometimes even the color of dishes. Spices also have preservative properties and sometimes support our digestive system. In the old days some spices were considered very valuable and treated as legal tender. Nowadays saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, whereas anise stars are visually most impressive.
