mausteiset

Mausteiset is a Finnish adjective used to describe foods and flavors that are spiced or richly seasoned with a variety of spices and aromatics. The term is formed from mauste, meaning spice, with the suffix -inen, and its plural form mausteiset is used to agree with plural nouns (for example, mausteiset ruoat, mausteiset kastikkeet).

In culinary use, the term describes flavor profiles that are marked by spice blends rather than by sweetness or salt alone. It can refer to both hot, chili-forward dishes and those with warm, aromatic spice notes such as pepper, mustard, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, dill, citrus zest, or juniper. The nuance of mausteisuus ranges from bold and intense to fragrant and layered, depending on the combination of spices and preparation methods.

The term is common in Finnish cooking narratives, menus, and recipe instructions. It is often contrasted with mild flavors.

In broader usage, mausteiset are used to describe dishes influenced by international spice traditions, including Indian, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and Latin American cuisines, when prepared in a Finnish context.

See also: Mausteet, Mausteinen, Spices.