Puerto Rican Spices: Bold Flavors & Recipes from My Kitchen
Before you even tasted the food, you knew dinner was near. You could hear onions sizzling in the sofrito.
The smell of oregano and garlic filled the air. A warm breeze blew in through the window. That was my Puerto Rico.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, the kitchen was the heart of our family home. A place full of laughter, music, and the strong smell of freshly cooked food existed.
I remember standing on a stool next to my mom. I carefully picked leaves from a bundle of oregano. She chopped peppers to the beat of a salsa song playing in the background.
This Guide to Puerto Rican Spices is not only about seasoning your food. To bring warmth and culture to your table is also essential.
And yes, even Bad Bunny understands the importance of flavor. In a recent interview, he joked about how food in Puerto Rico just hits differently—and he’s not wrong! Every dish, from a simple rice and beans to a decadent pork, is a masterpiece because of the spices that define them. Or is it the water?
Let me share with you some of my favorite spices, their uses, and how they’ve shaped my love for food.
1. Annatto (Achiote)
Flavor Profile: Earthy, slightly peppery, with hints of nutmeg and cumin.
How It’s Used: Growing up, achiote was always present in my mom’s sofrito. It gave our rice dishes their signature golden hue and a flavor that made every bite feel like home. I remember helping her infuse annatto seeds in oil, watching as the bright orange color bloomed—like magic in the kitchen. Be careful, it will stain anything on its way.
Pro Tip: Use achiote oil to enhance your arroz con pollo. You can also drizzle it over roasted veggies for a colorful touch. Delish!
2. Cumin (Comino)
Flavor Profile: Warm, earthy, and slightly sweet with citrusy undertones.
How It’s Used: Cumin was a star ingredient in my dad’s cooking. He would sprinkle it into his famous habichuelas guisadas, a dish that brought everyone to the table. That warm, nutty aroma filling the air still takes me back to Friday dinners with family.
Pro Tip: Pair cumin with chili powder and lime juice for a marinade that transforms chicken or fish.
3. Oregano (Orégano)
Flavor Profile: Herbaceous, slightly bitter, with hints of lemon and pepper.
How It’s Used: Puerto Rican oregano, distinct from its Mediterranean cousin, is a powerhouse in marinades for pork. My dad used it generously when preparing pernil for holiday gatherings. The smell of oregano mingling with garlic and citrus is something I’ll never forget.
Pro Tip: Crush dried oregano between your fingers before adding it to your dish to release its full flavor. Your fingers will have a smooth oregano aroma.
4. Smoked Paprika (Pimentón Ahumado)
Flavor Profile: Smoky, sweet, and mildly spicy.
How It’s Used: Smoked paprika was not common in our traditional dishes. I found its magic when I began to experiment in the kitchen. I love adding it to roasted potatoes or seasoning shrimp for a smoky twist on tacos. A beautiful way to blend cultures and flavors exists.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle smoked paprika on freshly popped popcorn for a quick, flavorful snack.
5. Chili Powder (Chile en Polvo)
Flavor Profile: Spicy, tangy, and slightly smoky.
How It’s Used: People often link chili powder to Mexican food. I began using it in my Puerto Rican recipes for extra flavor. Mixing it with lime juice to sprinkle on fresh mango slices quickly became a favorite treat in my house.
Pro Tip: Use chili powder to spice up tostones or as a rub for grilled meats.
Spices, Music, and Community
Cooking in Puerto Rico wasn’t just about food—it was an experience. The sounds of old Spanish or salsa music filled the house.
We danced in the kitchen while we prepped meals. We tasted and adjusted the seasonings. We self-express through food and music, celebrating both makes us unique in the culinary culture spectrum.
Still to this day, I blast Héctor Lavoe or Bad Bunny while I cook. My hips sway as I stir, taste, and season. I stay connected to the island, my family, and my joy in this way.
Just like Bad Bunny changes music, these spices let us try new things and change traditions in the kitchen. They remind me that food, like music, has the power to bring people together, tell stories, and create lasting memories.
Why I Love Sharing This Journey
At Hedman Soto, our goal is to celebrate these flavors and memories by bringing them to your home. Each spice has a story—a piece of our culture—and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Want to bring that sabor home? Explore our pantry picks—from my favorite sofrito starter to the bold blend in Chulería en Pote™. These aren’t just spices—they’re stories in a jar.
