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An important instruction into renal diet is to restrict salt. The absence of salt in diet decreases the flavour in your foods, so you can add “extra flavour” using spices and herbs to your food. Spices are used in its dried form, either whole or ground, and herbs are used fresh or dried. They increase the natural flavours of foods and a little goes a long way.  Spices and herbs should be stored in a cool dry place in airtight containers to prevent flavour loss.

Many flavours may be combined. Create your own flavour combinations. Here is a list of spices and foods to get you started:

Herbs & SpicesHousehold MeasureSuggested Uses
ALLSPICE1 tspPot roast, Fish, eggs, Squash, Fruit, Relishes.
ANISE2-3 pcsCookies, Cakes, Bread, Candy, Beverages, Beef stew, Stewed fruits, Fish, Shellfish.
BASIL3-4 sprigNoodles, Rice, Beef stew, Pork, Meat loaf, Duck, Fish, Veal, Salads, Cooked vegetables, Omelettes, Dressings.
BAY LEAF 4pcsSoups, Chowders, Seafood, Pot roast, Stews.
BLACK PEPPER1 tspMeats, Poultry, Fish, Eggs, Vegetables.
CARAWAY SEED1 tspGreen beans, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Zucchini, Meat dishes/stews, Marinades, Cakes, Cookies, Rice, Rye bread.
CARDAMON1/2 tspBaked goods, Grape jelly, Puddings, Squash, Fruit soups.
CELERY SEED1 tspSalads, Vegetables, Stuffing, Breads, Egg dishes, Meat and fish dishes/stews, Soups, Marinades, Dressings, Dips.
CHILI POWDER1 tspBarbecue sauces, Dips, Egg dishes, Meat and Chicken dishes, Marinades.
MACE1/2 tspBaked goods, Fruits, Meat, Fish, Poultry, Chowder, Vegetables, Jellies.
MARJORAM½ tspMeats, Poultry, Fish, Sausages, Stews, Carrots, Broccoli, Pizza, Spaghetti, Eggplant, Soup.
MINT2sprigPunch, Tea, Desserts, Sauce, Jelly, Fruit, Edible garnish.
MUSTARD (DRY)1 tspEgg and Cheese dishes, Salad dressings, Meat, Poultry, Vegetables.
MUSTARD SEED1 tspColeslaw, Boiled cabbage.
NUTMEG½ tspHot beverages, Puddings, Custards, Baked goods, Desserts, Chicken, Cream soups, Seafood, Eggs, Vegetables.
ONION POWDER2 tbspDips, Soups, Stews, All meats, Fish, Poultry, Salads, Vegetables, Stuffing, Egg dishes, Breads, Rice dishes.
OREGANO1 tspPasta dishes, Pizza, Barbecue sauce, Vegetables, Eggs, Stuffing, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Fish.
PAPRIKA1 tspMeat, Sausage, Fish, Poultry, Egg dishes, Vegetables, Garnishing.
PARSLEY1 tbspSoups, Meat sauces, Stuffing, Fish, Meats, Poultry, Garnishing.
POPPY SEED1 tbspPie crust, Fruit compotes, Fruit salad dressings, Cookies, Cakes, Breads, Garnishing.
POULTRY SEASONING1 tbspStuffing, Poultry, Veal meat loaf, Chicken soup
RED PEPPER1 wholeMeats, Soups, Sauce, Poultry, Vegetables, Spaghetti sauce, Curried dishes, Dips, Tamale pie, Barbecued beef and pork.
ROSEMARY1 tspLamb, Poultry, Veal, Beef, Pork, Fish, Soups, Stews, Marinades, Stuffing, Breads, Dressings.
SAFFRON¼ tspChicken, Fish, Seafood, Soups, Stews, Rice.
SAGE1 tspStuffing, Poultry, Sauce, Soups, Fish, Beef, Pork, Veal.
SESAME SEED1 tspEdible garnish for salads, Breads, Meat dishes.
TARRAGON1 tspSauces, Dressings, Poultry, Fish, Egg dishes
THYME1 tspMeats, Poultry, Fish, Stews, Soups, Vegetables.
TUMERIC1 tspCurried meats, Fish, Poultry, Egg dishes, Colouring for Cakes and Rice dishes.
WHITE PEPPER1 tspWhite sauces or any dish where black specks are undesirable.

Note: Do not treat this article as the sole source of information, kindly consult your Nephrologist/ Nutritionist before making any changes in your daily diet  regime.

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