Mixed spice, also known as British mixed spice or pudding spice, is a blend of ground spices commonly used in baking and desserts in the United Kingdom and other parts of the Commonwealth. The exact blend can vary, but it typically contains a combination of ground cinnamon, coriander, caraway, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
The origins of mixed spice are tied to Britain's colonial-era spice trade with Asia and the Middle East, which brought a wider variety of spices into British kitchens and allowed for the development of this signature spice blend.
The primary sources and growing regions of the individual spices that make up mixed spice are diverse. Cinnamon is primarily sourced from Sri Lanka and Indonesia, coriander from India and Eastern Europe, caraway from Central Europe, nutmeg from Indonesia, ginger from India and China, and cloves from Indonesia. These spices are then ground and blended together to create the distinctive mixed spice flavor profile.
In the United Kingdom, mixed spice is a ubiquitous ingredient used in a wide range of baked goods, from Christmas puddings and mince pies to gingerbread and fruit cakes. It is also commonly used in savory dishes, such as stews and marinades. Beyond the UK, mixed spice is also used in other Commonwealth countries, such as Australia and Canada, where it is often employed in similar baking and dessert applications.
The flavor profile of mixed spice is warm, aromatic, and subtly sweet, with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg being the most prominent. The blend of spices creates a complex and well-balanced flavor that complements a variety of ingredients. Mixed spice pairs particularly well with fruits, such as apples, pears, and dried fruits, as well as with nuts, honey, and brown sugar.