It is widely acceptable that fruits and vegetables are considered antioxidant foods.  According to a study published in Nutrition Journal, spices do not take a back seat.  “Although spices and herbs contribute little weight on the dinner plate, they may still be important contributors to our antioxidant intake, especially in dietary cultures where spices and herbs are used regularly.”

Why spices are so high in antioxidants the Nutrition Journal study concludes,  “We interpret the elevated concentration of antioxidants observed in several dried herbs compared to fresh samples, as a normal consequence of the drying process leaving most of the antioxidants intact in the dried end product. This tendency is also seen in some fruits and their dried counterparts. Thus, dried herbs and fruit are potentially excellent sources of antioxidants.”

Good news...and it appears that some areas of the country are already more aware of the value of spices in cooking than others – or they just plain like them more. 

McCormick & Company, Inc., the spices and herbs company, set out to determine which areas of the country reach for the spices more than others.  Result? They have identified America’s top 10 “Super-Spiced” cities based on consumption of “Super Spices.”  

According to a McCormick & Company spokesperson, Laurie Harrsen, “As spice consumption continues to grow, more people are realizing that adding ‘Super Spices’ is an easy way to add flavor and natural antioxidants throughout the day – no matter what your local food favorites are.”

America’s Top 10 “Super-Spiced” Cities:

1. New York

2. Chicago

3. Los Angeles

4. Dallas/Ft. Worth

5. San Antonio/Corpus Christi

6. Houston

7. Memphis

8. Philadelphia

9. Charleston, SC

10. Jackson, MS

It’s not just big cities that like big flavor. Although major metropolises like New York and Chicago top the list, some surprise “Super-Spiced” standouts are also among the ranks. Food-loving cities like Memphis, TN; Charleston, SC; and Jackson, MS - as well as a whopping three cities in Texas – help round out this well-seasoned compilation.

“Super-Spiced” Snapshots

Where you live often shapes how you eat. So, plenty of local flavor shines through in the “Super-Spiced” cities:

From minestrone to pasta, Philadelphia embraces its Italian heritage. And, since some research has linked garlic to heart health, it’s not surprising to find it’s a favorite in the City of Brotherly Love. In fact, Philly consumes more than 176,000 pounds of garlic powder a year – nearly the weight of 126 “Rocky” statues.

Coastal South Carolina is home to Low Country cooking. Charleston consumes almost 9,000 pounds of oregano each year, nearly 90 times the weight of the famous albino alligator in the South Carolina Aquarium.⁵ Of all the herbs, oregano has one of the highest antioxidant levels – making it a true “Super Spice.”

Los Angeles consumes more than 208,000 pounds of cinnamon. That’s the equivalent to 41 “Jaws” sharks found in the Hollywood classic. This sweet spice has been linked to controlling blood sugar levels.

San Antonio loves its Tex-Mex, eating more than 98,000 pounds of cumin a year – more than any other city in the nation. That’s enough to put 1.5 pounds in every seat of the Alamodome. Did you know just a half-teaspoon of ground cumin has antioxidant levels comparable to one cup of spinach? 

“We are excited to celebrate the cities that are already enjoying the many benefits of spices and herbs," said Laurie Harrsen, McCormick spokesperson. “As spice consumption continues to grow, more people are realizing that adding ‘Super Spices’ is an easy way to add flavor and natural antioxidants throughout the day – no matter what your local food favorites are.”

For a full list of the top 50 “Super Spiced” cities, healthful “Super Spice” tips and recipes to spice up your plate with flavor and antioxidants, visit www.SpicesForHealth.com or join the conversation at  Facebook.com/McCormickSpice.

About McCormick

With an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, home economists, food technologists, and sensory analysts, McCormick & Company, Inc. keeps its finger on the pulse of flavor. McCormick was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland. McCormick sources high quality ingredients from far-reaching destinations to bring a world of flavors to consumers. Visit mccormick.com for more information.