In my opinion a well stocked spice shelf is a major part of a busy kitchen. There are so many spices available and each has their own use. I would have to say that depending on your nationality and how much you cook would be a determining factor on the amount of spices in your kitchen.

there are some basic spices and herbs every kitchen should have. Most of the spices you get in a purchased spice rack are not necessarily the ones you might use most often. I myself do not consider flavored salts or meat rubs to be the most important items on the spice shelf.

The three main spices that I believe no kitchen can be without are onions, garlic, and parsley. These three herbs can add flavor and variety to many of your favorite dishes. I use these three herbs just about every time I cook.

Oregano is an herb used mostly in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. It enhances the taste of foods prepared with tomatoes.

Celery seed as another savory spice to keep on hand to use when you do not have fresh celery available. It enhances soups, stews, and meat dishes.

Chives. Have a mild taste similar to green onion tops. They can be used to sprinkle on salads, in soups, or on top of a baked potato.

Nutmeg is used to enhance the taste of vegetables, puddings, and sweet deserts. It is most popular sprinkled on top of rice pudding or egg nog.

Paprika is a powdered sweet red pepper. It adds a mild spiciness to stews, goulashes, and meat dishes.

Pepper both black and white pepper are used to add a spicy taste to many cooked foods. It is common to have whole peppercorns in a collection of spices.

Rosemary is a pungent herb used to add a savory taste to chicken, pork, and soups.

Sage is usually an ingredient used in greasy meat dishes such as pork, chicken, or to make stuffing.

Thyme is used in soups, stews, and poultry dishes.

Vanilla is a popular spice used in puddings, drinks, and desserts.

Some other spices you may consider adding to your collection are

Allspice tastes like a combination of several spices. It is usually use in baked goods and desserts.

Anise seed adds a mild licorice taste to food.

Bay leaf is used in soups, stews, and preparing meats.

Carraway seed is a popular ingredient use in the preparation of German cuisine, cooking cabbage, and breats.

Cardamom is an exotic spice used in Indian cooking

Cinnamon has a pleasant taste and is primarily used in sweet dishes and desserts.

Cloves can be used whole or powdered. Whole cloves are used primarily to add a spicy taste to ham, broths, and hot drinks. Powdered cloves are used in baking and desserts.

Ginger root can be used raw or powdered. It is used in Oriental cooking, baking, and sliced and simmered to make a tea or broth.

Some exotic spices you can add to your collection are chili peppers, chipotle powder, cilantro, coriander, cumin, dill weed, fennel seed, mace, marjoram, mustard seed, poppy seeds, saffron, sesame seed, and turmeric.

Along with these herbs and spices you can also add a selection of spice blends to your collection. Some of the more popular ones are

Barbecue spice, Cajun seasoning, Chinese five spice blend, mild and hot curry powder, garam masala, Greek seasoning, herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, mulling spices, poultry seasoning, and taco seasoning.

A kitchen that has a collection of herbs and spices is a joy to prepare meals in and lends itself to a variety of tastes.