Every great dish starts with a solid foundation, and in most cases, that foundation is a well-stocked spice rack. Having a few essential herbs and spices on hand can change simple recipes into something seriously flavorful.
At Loma Vista Products, we believe real flavor starts with real ingredients and seasonings. Our line of dried chiles, whole herbs, and warming spices is made for home cooks who want depth, versatility, and a little fire in every dish.
In this post, we’re highlighting seven of our go-to Southwest pantry essentials that can carry a recipe and add balance and depth to your meals. If you’ve ever wondered which basic seasonings to have in your kitchen, this list is the perfect place to start.
Why Every Kitchen Needs an Essential Seasonings Set
Salt and pepper might be the first things you reach for, but it’s the rest of your spice rack that adds character, richness, and identity to your meals.
A smart set of cooking seasonings gives you options, elevates everyday dishes, and helps you cook with confidence and flair.
Many of the most versatile spices, like cumin, oregano, and chile powder, show up in cuisines across the globe, from Mexico to the Mediterranean to the Middle East. That overlap means a well-stocked pantry can support dozens of flavor profiles and cuisines without needing a shelf full of specialty blends.
Think of your common spices and herbs as essential flavor tools. Whether you’re roasting vegetables, seasoning beans, or building up a stew, the right cooking spices turn weeknight meals into something restaurant-worthy.
Let’s kick off with one of the most versatile and widely loved kitchen spices in the world, essential in countless recipes.
1. Cumin – The Nutty, Earthy Staple
If there’s one essential spice that shows up again and again in everyday cooking in the Southwest, it’s cumin.
It’s one of the most common spices in cooking globally too, especially in:
- Mexican & Southwestern cooking – chili, taco meat, beans, stews
- Indian cuisine – curries, dals, spice blends
- Middle Eastern dishes – falafel, rice, lamb
- North African dishes – tagines, spice rubs
- Tex-Mex/American fusion – rubs, sauces, chili seasoning
With its warm, earthy flavor, cumin adds instant nuttiness to everything from beans and rice to taco fillings, roasted vegetables, and stews.
We offer both whole cumin seeds and ground cumin, so you can choose your level of intensity.
Whole seeds are perfect for toasting in a dry pan to bring out their intense aroma, ideal for DIY spice rubs or starting a pot of soup. Ground cumin, on the other hand, is great for quick weeknight recipes where you want flavor without extra prep.
No matter how you use it, cumin is one of the best spices to have on hand and it never goes out of style. It adds body, warmth, and just enough bite to make even simple meals taste layered and full.
If cumin brings earthiness, chile powder brings fire. No Southwest pantry is complete without this loved basic kitchen spice.
2. Chile Powder – Customizable Heat & Color
Chile powder is a category all its own. With rich color and warm heat, it’s one of the best spices for cooking Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
You’ll find chile powder at the heart of many iconic recipes, including:
- Mexican & New Mexican cuisine – enchilada sauce, adobo, posole, tacos
- Tex-Mex – chili, fajitas, BBQ rubs
- Southwestern dishes – stews, roasted veggies, dry marinades
- Modern fusion cooking – seasoning blends, spice-forward sauces, even cocktails
At Loma Vista Products, we offer five main varieties: Hot Red, Mild Red, Extra Hot Red, Hot Green, and Mild Green. Each is made with real Hatch chiles, dried and ground for maximum flavor.
Red chile powder brings deep, earthy spice, while green chile powder adds a bright, citrusy edge. Use them to build layers in soups and stews, create dry rubs for grilled meats, or add a colorful kick to roasted vegetables.
Chile powder is one of the most flexible and flavor-packed tools you can keep in your pantry, and a must-have if you love to cook Southwest cuisine.
While flashy spices often steal the spotlight, some cooking herbs and spices work their magic quietly in the background like this next item.
3. Bay Leaves – Aromatic Depth in Soups and Stews
Bay leaves may not look like much, but their impact is undeniable. These sturdy, aromatic leaves bring a subtle, savory depth that rounds out slow-cooked dishes and broths.
This popular cooking herb is commonly used in:
- Soups & stews – bean soups, chicken stew, lentils
- Braised dishes – pot roast, carnitas, barbacoa
- Sauces & stocks – tomato sauces, vegetable stock, meat broth
Our whole bay leaves are carefully dried to preserve their complex aroma, which includes notes of eucalyptus, pine, and even a bit of peppery spice.
They’re typically added early in the cooking process and removed before serving. Think of them like background vocals in a song. They tie everything together without overpowering the lead. Just one or two leaves can help balance richness, tame acidity, and tie flavors together beautifully.
Bay leaves may not be flashy, but they’re one of the most common herbs for cooking and are a great pantry add-on for anyone who loves slow, savory, comforting meals.
From subtle background notes to rich, herbaceous flavor, next up is a classic cooking herb every chef should know.
4. Oregano – Herbaceous and Classic
Oregano is one of those herbs that can instantly liven up a dish. Its bold, slightly peppery flavor adds a fragrant layer that works beautifully in many dishes from rustic tomato sauces to slow-simmered beans.
You’ll commonly find oregano used in:
- Mexican cooking – salsas, posole, refried beans
- Mediterranean dishes – tomato sauces, marinades, Greek-style potatoes
- Southwest & Tex-Mex cuisine – taco meat, spice blends, enchiladas
- Dry rubs & seasonings – beef, chicken, pork
Our whole dried oregano leaves are dried for maximum aroma and flavor. Whole leaves preserve their essential oils better than powdered oregano, which means a stronger, fresher taste when you crumble them directly into your pot or pan.
Oregano adds character, balances sweetness, and tames richness. It pairs beautifully with other common seasonings like cumin, garlic, and chile powders.
If you’re building a basic pantry spice set, this next zesty herb absolutely earns its spot.
5. Dried Cilantro – Citrusy Brightness Without the Chopping
Cilantro is famous for its fresh, citrusy bite and dried cilantro makes it easy to capture that brightness anytime, no chopping board required.
It’s especially handy for dry rubs, quick seasoning blends, or recipes where fresh herbs might wilt or get lost.
You’ll often see dried cilantro used in:
- Mexican & Latin dishes – salsas, rice, tacos, posole
- Southwest-inspired recipes – corn salad, black bean dip, green chile stew
- Dry spice blends – taco seasoning, herb rubs, snack mixes
- Finishing herbs – scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, soups
Our dried cilantro is carefully dried to lock in its natural vibrance. It brings a citrusy-green note that works especially well with chile, cumin, or garlic, acting as a fresh contrast to heavier common spices.
If you love the punch of fresh cilantro but want a longer shelf life and easier prep, this herb is one of the most essential seasonings to keep on hand.
Up next is a spice that’s perfect for building layers of heat.
6. Crushed Chile Flakes – A Dash of Fire and Flair
When you want to add spice without overwhelming the dish, crushed chile flakes are your best friend.
They offer controlled heat, beautiful color, and a touch of smokiness that’s perfect for seasoning, garnishing, or building layers of flavor.
Popular uses for this common cooking spice includes:
- Finishing spice – pizza, soups, pastas, roasted veggies
- Southwest seasoning blends – taco rubs, bean stews, chile-lime snacks
- Spicy toppings – eggs, avocado toast, popcorn, grilled meats
- Quick marinades – infused oils, yogurt sauces, vinaigrettes
At Loma Vista Products, we offer two types of chile flakes: Pequin and Caribe.
Pequin flakes are fiery and acidic, great for spice lovers. Meanwhile, caribe flakes lean slightly fruity with a smoky, mellow heat that still packs plenty of flavor.
Sprinkle them over dishes for a final pop of heat or use them as a base for dry rubs and infused oils. These flakes are some of the best spices to have on hand if you love dishes with a little attitude.
We’ve covered many flavor profiles, now let’s end on something a little more unexpected. Let’s explore sweet warmth from spices that do more than just dessert duty.
7. Cinnamon Sticks & Anise – Sweet, Spicy Warmth
Cinnamon and anise are key players in both savory and sweet recipes. They add festive spice, soothing warmth, and that unmistakable comfort factor.
You’ll often see them used in:
- Southwestern stews & sauces – mole, red chile sauce, slow-braised meats
- Warm beverages – atole, café de olla, mulled tea, cider infusions
- Desserts & breads – cookies, sweet tamales, holiday baking
At Loma Vista Products, we offer whole cinnamon sticks and anise—ideal for infusing into long-simmered meals, rich sauces, or spiced drinks.
Cinnamon adds soft, woody sweetness, while anise brings a delicate licorice note that surprises in the best way.
Don’t be afraid to use these spices beyond dessert. Just a small piece of cinnamon or a pinch of anise can create that “ooh, what is that?” moment that lingers amongst your guests.
Unexpected yet essential, these warming spices bring soul and nuance to both everyday meals and special-occasion favorites.
From bright herbs to bold chile, sweet cinnamon to savory cumin, these pantry staples prove that flavor starts with the basics.
Build Your Foundation With These Essential Herbs and Spices
At Loma Vista Products, we know that great meals don’t begin with complicated recipes. They start with a well-stocked spice rack and some creativity. By keeping a thoughtful mix of Southwest seasonings on hand, you can cook richer and more complex everyday meals.
These are some of the most common spices used across global cuisines, and many of them overlap in ways that make them easy to mix and match. If you’re building your kitchen spices list for the first time or just looking to refresh your staples, this is a solid start.
Explore our full lineup to stock your pantry with essential herbs and spices today!