Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Alison Sandle's here with a pottle of allspice. It really is the four-wheel-drive of spices, a bit like nutmeg, hints of pepper and cinnamon, and great as a marinade. (10′43″)

Alison Sandle's getting spicy with cardamom. It's the spice the ancient Egyptians used to clean their teeth, and the Vikings loved to bake with! (13′22″)

Alison Sandle spices things up with chilli. It's a huge and varied branch of the capsicum family and includes everything from the hottest habaneros and nagas to red and green peppers. (12′09″)

Loads of the cinnamon we're buying here isn't true cinnamon but cassia. So does it really matter and how can you tell the difference? (15′12″)

They're the common spice that feature in everything from mouthwash to mulled wine. Oh and they're good if you've got a toothache too! (13′09″)

Alison Sandle on the spice that also lovely eaten green and fresh as a herb. (14′49″)

The spice that's handy for treating horse flatulence. And it's also not too bad in a chilli either! With spice specialist Alison Sandle. (10′28″)

Alison Sandle on two fragrant rhizomes rooted in Asian cooking. (18′00″)

Forget about Kiwisaver or your retirement savings plan, once upon a time all you needed was a couple of nutmegs to set you up for life. Alison Sandle with the history and uses of nutmeg. (15′48″)

The world's most popular spice, pepper, with Alison Sandle. You used to be able to pay the rent with it! (15′31″)

Alison Sandle on the yellowy orange spice that's worth more than gold but doesn't seem to taste of much. (16′22″)

Star anise has been loved by Chinese cooks for millenia, and these days it's infusing its way into global cuisine. Alison Sandle with more. (12′13″)