What Herbs And Spices Go with Pineapple? (15 Options)

When it comes to pineapple, most people think of it as a sweet fruit.

But did you know that pineapple is also a great ingredient to use in savory dishes?

The sweetness of the pineapple pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices, making it a versatile ingredient to cook with.

So if you are wondering what herbs and spices go with pineapple, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 15 of the best herbs and spices to use with pineapple including ginger, cilantro, basil, chili peppers, and more.

What Herbs And Spices Go with Pineapple?

There are many herbs and spices that go well with pineapple. Some of these include allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla. These flavors can be used in both sweet and savory dishes that feature pineapple as a main ingredient.

But there are many more options to choose from.

So let’s cover some of them!

Here are 15 of the best herbs and spices to use with pineapple:

1. Ginger

Fresh ginger is slightly peppery and sweet, with a lemony undertone.

It pairs well with the sweetness of pineapple, and the two flavors work together to create a balance of sweet and tangy.

When cooking with ginger and pineapple, consider adding complementary flavors such as garlic, onion, and chili pepper to create a more complex dish.

You can also use ginger to add a zesty kick to chocolate cake.

2. Cilantro

Cilantro has a fresh and citrusy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of pineapple.

To balance out the flavors, add a little bit of cilantro to savory dishes.

Complimentary ingredients that go well with cilantro include lime, ginger, and chili peppers.

When cooking with cilantro, be sure to chop it finely so that the flavors can be evenly distributed throughout the dish.

3. Basil

Basil is a mix between sweet and savory, which makes it a perfect herb to pair with pineapple.

The sweetness of the pineapple will help to balance out the savory flavors of the basil.

Additionally, the basil will add a bit of texture and depth to the dish.

When pairing these two ingredients together, consider adding complementary ingredients like ginger, cilantro, or red pepper flakes.

These ingredients will help to round out the flavors and create a well-balanced dish.

4. Chili Peppers

Chili peppers can be smoky and sweet or earthy and raisin-like, depending on the variety.

They add a nice depth of flavor to pineapple dishes and can be used to balance out the sweetness of the fruit.

When pairing chili peppers with pineapple, complementary ingredients to consider include ginger, garlic, and cilantro.

Some tips and tricks for using chili peppers in pineapple dishes:

• If you want a little sweetness with your spice, try using a smoked chili pepper.
• To temper the heat of a chili pepper, remove the seeds and ribs before cooking.
• Pair chili peppers with pineapple in dishes like stir-fries, curries, or salsa for a flavor combination that can’t be beat.

5. Rosemary

This woodsy aromatic herb has notes of citrus, lavender, pine, and sage.

When used in moderation, rosemary can compliment the sweetness of pineapple and balance out the flavors.

Other ingredients that pair well with pineapple and rosemary include chicken, pork, and seafood.

When cooking with this combination of flavors, be sure to use fresh rosemary and not the dried form of the herb.

A little goes a long way with this potent flavor.

6. Thyme

Thyme dances between earthy and minty flavors, making it a perfect herb to use with pineapple.

The sweetness of the fruit will help to balance out the savory flavors of the thyme, while the herb will add a touch of complexity to the dish.

When cooking with thyme and pineapple, also consider adding complementary ingredients like garlic, ginger, or chili peppers to round out the flavors.

7. Sage

Sage is a pungent herb that adds a feeling of warmth to any dish.

The sweetness of the pineapple will help to offset the strong flavor of the sage, while the sage will help to round out the flavors of the dish.

Other complimentary ingredients you could add include onions, garlic, and black pepper.

8. Oregano

Oregano is a robust herb with a peppery bite and a sweet, slightly floral flavor.

It pairs well with pineapple, complementing the fruit’s sweetness and adding a bit of acidity to balance out the flavors.

When cooking with oregano and pineapple, consider adding other complementary ingredients like ginger, garlic, or chili pepper to round out the dish.

9. Marjoram

Marjoram’s flavor is similar to oregano, but milder and sweeter.

It’s a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, and goes well with a variety of meats and vegetables.

To bring out the flavor of marjoram, pair it with other strong flavors like garlic or onion.

When cooking with pineapple, marjoram can help to balance out the sweetness of the fruit.

Try pairing marjoram with other complementary ingredients like ginger, cumin, or chili pepper.

10. Curry Powder

Curry has a unique and floral taste due to the mix of sweet and savory spices that make up the powder.

When used with pineapple, curry powder can add a depth of flavor to the fruit while also complementing its sweetness.

To balance out the flavors, consider adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Other ingredients that pair well with curry powder and pineapple include ginger, cumin, and coriander.

11. Cumin

Earthy and warm, with an edge of citrus, cumin is a perfect spice to pair with pineapple.

The sweetness of the fruit will help to balance out the savory flavors of the cumin, while the acidity of the pineapple will help to bring out the earthiness of the spice.

Try pairing cumin with other savory ingredients like onions, garlic, or peppers, or sweeten things up by pairing it with ginger or honey.

12. Garlic

Garlic has a pungent, spicy, and earthy flavor.

The sweetness of the pineapple can help to balance out the spiciness of the garlic.

When cooking with garlic and pineapple, it is important to make sure that the garlic is cooked properly so that it does not overpower the dish.

Other complimentary ingredients that can be added to a dish with garlic and pineapple include ginger, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.

13. Onion

Onions can be sweet or sour, soft or crisp, and are available in a variety of colors including white, yellow, and red.

They are a staple ingredient in many savory dishes and can be used to add flavor, texture, and depth to a dish.

When cooking with pineapple, onions can be used to balance out the sweetness of the fruit.

Try pairing pineapple with onions in a savory dish such as a stir-fry or curry.

Other complimentary ingredients you could add include ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.

When cooking with pineapple, it is important to not overcook it as this will make the fruit mushy and lose its distinct flavor.

14. Salt

Yes, even salt can go with pineapple!

When used in moderation, salt can help to highlight the sweetness of the fruit and balance out the tanginess.

Try adding a pinch of salt to your next pineapple dish – you might be surprised at how good it is.

Other complementary ingredients you can add to pineapple dishes include ginger, chili peppers, and lime.

These all help to enhance the flavors of the fruit and make for a more well-rounded dish.

When it comes to ginger, a little goes a long way – so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

With chili peppers, you can add as much or as little as you like depending on how spicy you want your dish to be.

And lastly, lime adds a lovely brightness to pineapple dishes.

15. Pepper

Pungent, earthy, hot, woody, brash, and strong are all adjectives that can be used to describe pepper.

As you can imagine, this powerful spice can easily overwhelm a dish if not used carefully.

When cooking with pepper, it’s important to consider what flavors you want to highlight and how you can balance out the spice.

For example, if you’re using pepper to add a bit of heat to a dish, you might want to pair it with sweet or fruity ingredients to help balance out the flavors.

On the other hand, if you’re using pepper to add earthy or woody flavors to a dish, you might want to pair it with brighter, more acidic ingredients.

When it comes to pineapple, I think that pepper is a great spice to pair with it because the sweetness of the pineapple helps to balance out the spice of the pepper.

Additionally, the two flavors complement each other well, making for a delicious and harmonious dish.