Kryddig

Kryddig is a common adjective in Norwegian and Swedish used to describe food, drinks, or aromas that contain noticeable spices or have a strong, flavorful character. It typically signals the presence of spices, herbs, or pepper, and can imply warmth or heat from chili, though it does not necessarily denote extreme spiciness. In culinary writing, kryddig can refer to dishes, sauces, marinades, and baked goods with rich seasoning, as well as to a pungent or aromatic scent in non-food contexts.

Etymology and linguistic notes: The term stems from krydda, the noun for spice or seasoning in Norwegian and Swedish, which in turn arises from Old Norse. The form kryddig is the adjectival variant, with kryddigt as the corresponding adverb. A closely related Danish form is krydret, used similarly to denote seasoned or spiced.

Usage considerations: Kryddig is distinct from mild, which indicates a lack of pronounced spice. The perceived level of kryddighet is subjective and varies by cook and regional preference, so recipe writers often use kryddig to signal bold, spice-forward flavors without specifying exact ingredients or quantities.

Examples in context: En kryddig rätt beskriver a dish with noticeable seasoning; kryddig doft refers to a strong, spiced aroma; kryddiga marinader are marinades rich in herbs and spices.

See also: Spiciness; Spice; Seasoning; Krydda (the spice itself in Norwegian and Swedish).