How is your relationship with your spice rack or box? Do you stand over it with hesitation and unfamiliarity, or do you regularly approach it like a familiar friend every evening?

Seasoning with spices can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with it but handily a new set of infographics summarise all the rules you need to know. 

The experts at Cook Smarts, a website and app that seeks to empower home cooks, has created three beautiful charts to show you how to use some of the most common spices that are hiding in your cupboard. 

From knowing which spices go well with which meats and vegetables, to understanding the spices required for different cuisines, we outline how to use each infographic when you're cooking.

You can print the infographics by signing up to Cook Smarts here or buy posters at Red Bubble (all profits from print purchases go to support food education in Cook Smart's schools).

With these correct rules and a bit of practice you'll be cooking up flavourful and rich dishes in no time.

How to use:
Find out where to use 17 different spices, whether you're cooking meat dishes or salads. Spices are alphabetized for easy reading.
 

How to use:
Spices can combine to create a whole new flavour. While you can readily buy most of these blends at your local supermarket, here's what is behind each one of them.
 

How to use:
Many cuisines around the world are distinguished by the spices used in them. For example, a Mexican dish requires coriander, cumin and cinnamon (to name three). Meanwhile French dishes are all about nutmeg, thyme and garlic powder. Look under each country section of the infographic below to create those traditional food flavours. If you’re following a recipe for a dish and the result is too bland, add in more of the spices in the respective section to achieve your desired taste.

Images: cooksmarts.com