Austrians embrace hotter, smokier spice trends

Austrian kitchens are becoming bolder with hotter and smokier spices, according to a survey commissioned by spice maker Kotanyi and reported by ORF. Ginger is gaining popularity, while turmeric remains the top choice among respondents’ spice discoveries.

Some 7.3 percent of those surveyed named ginger their personal discovery of the year. It rose from eighth to third place in the ranking, behind turmeric and Italian herbs. The online survey was conducted among 505 people in Austria in July and August 2026.

Ginger is mainly grown in Asia, but some farms in Austria have taken up its cultivation as a niche. Florian Woditschka has been growing it for six years in a polytunnel in Altlichtenwarth, in the Mistelbach district, along with smaller quantities of turmeric. He harvests about 150 to 200 kilograms of ginger each year, selling it in local shops and directly from the farm.

Woditschka said fresh ginger was more delicate, juicier and less fibrous than dried ginger from supermarkets. It does not need to be peeled, he said, and he sometimes eats it thinly sliced on buttered bread.

Ginger’s natural pungent compounds, known as gingerols, produce a warming sensation. When ginger is dried or heated, its compounds change and gingerols can become shogaols. Nutrition scientist Julia Geißler-Katzmann, from Wolkersdorf in the Mistelbach district, said shogaols may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Salt, pepper, paprika, oregano and chives remain essentials for respondents, but Kotanyi’s Elisabeth Voltmer said smoky and spicy flavours, as well as the savoury taste known as umami, were becoming more popular. Traditional Austrian dishes are also being adapted: schnitzel breading, for example, may be seasoned with cayenne pepper, chilli or turmeric.

Respondents are increasingly finding cooking inspiration online, particularly 18- to 29-year-olds. Some 10.1 percent said they used artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, while short videos and reels also offered ideas for recipes and flavour combinations.