Even the best fall foods like squash, apples, and root vegetables require a little spice sometimes. Spice up your favorite fall recipes with these 5 flavors (plus, they’re good for your health too!):

Allspice

Allspice is the basis of Jamaican jerk spice blend. If you’ve ever bitten into a delicious piece of jerk chicken, you’ll immediately recognize this flavor. Allspice tastes best when combined with other spices like cinnamon, pepper and cloves. Spice up your vegetable dishes, beef main dishes, and your favorite chili recipe by adding some allspice into the mix.

Cinnamon

We’ve written about the health benefits of cinnamon before. Sprinkle it on your morning oatmeal, or stir it into your morning coffee to help control your blood sugar levels and increase your brain activity, according to research led by Dr. P. Zoladz and presented April 24, 2004, at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, in Sarasota, FL.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg has the nutty, earthy taste that its name suggests. Typically paired with cinnamon, nutmeg tastes great on mashed cauliflower, custard, and rice pudding. Studies have shown that the active compounds in nutmeg may be used in the future to develop treatments for obesity and type-2 diabetes.

Ginger

Ginger is a root that has warming and stomach calming effects. It’s a staple in Asian and Indian cuisine because of its peppery sweet flavor. Ginger is an amazing flavor to add to steamed fish, chocolate cookies, and chicken. Ginger also helps alleviate inflammation both when ingested and when applied topically.

Star Anise

Star Anise is used as the primary flavoring in candy licorice. Biting and warm, star anise has a fragrance that is sweet and floral. A common ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, star anise is a great addition to vegetable-based soups, apple cider, and pork recipes.

What are your favorite ways to spice up fall foods? Share your tips here!