Herbs & Spices

Herbs & Spices

The everyday cooking companion

Herbs and spices have been integral to human cuisine and medicine for thousands of years. They are derived from various parts of plants, including leaves, seeds, fruits, flowers, bark, and roots, and are used to enhance the flavour, aroma, and color of food, as well as for their preservative and medicinal properties.

Herbs
Herbs are typically the leafy green parts of plants and are often used fresh or dried. Some of the most commonly used herbs include:

  • Basil: Known for its sweet, peppery flavor, basil is a staple in Italian cuisine and is often used in pesto, salads, and tomato-based dishes.
  • Parsley: With its fresh, slightly peppery taste, parsley is used as a garnish and flavoring in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads.
  • Thyme: This herb has a subtle, earthy flavor and is commonly used in Mediterranean and French cooking, particularly in stews, soups, and roasted meats.
  • Mint: Known for its refreshing, cool taste, mint is used in both sweet and savory dishes, as well as in beverages like tea and cocktails.
  • Cilantro: Also known as coriander leaves, cilantro has a bright, citrusy flavor and is widely used in Latin American, Indian, and Asian cuisines.

Spices
Spices are derived from other parts of the plant, such as seeds, bark, roots, and fruits. They are usually dried and ground into powder. Some of the most popular spices include:

  • Cinnamon: Made from the inner bark of cinnamon trees, this spice has a sweet, warm flavor and is used in both sweet and savory dishes.
  • Cumin: With its distinctive earthy, nutty flavor, cumin is a key ingredient in many spice blends, including curry powder and chili powder.
  • Turmeric: Known for its vibrant yellow color and slightly bitter, peppery flavor, turmeric is widely used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
  • Paprika: Made from ground red peppers, paprika can range from sweet to hot and is used to add color and flavor to a variety of dishes.
  • Black Pepper: One of the most commonly used spices, black pepper has a sharp, pungent flavor and is used to season almost any dish.

Uses and Benefits
Herbs and spices not only enhance the taste and aroma of food but also offer numerous health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and many have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. For example, turmeric contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, while garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties.

In addition to their culinary uses, herbs and spices are also used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and as natural preservatives. Their versatility and health benefits make them an essential part of any kitchen.

Anise

Anise

Basil

Basil

Bay

Bay

Black Pepper

Black Pepper

Cardamom

Cardamom

Cayenne

Cayenne

Chives

Chives

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

Cloves

Cloves

Coriander

Coriander

Cumin

Cumin

Dill

Dill

Dry Red Pepper

Dry Red Pepper

Fennel

Fennel

Garlic

Garlic

Ginger

Ginger

herbs Bunch

herbs Bunch

hot paprika

hot paprika

juniper berries

juniper berries

licorice

licorice

mint

mint

Nutmeg

Nutmeg

Onion

Onion

Oregano

Oregano

parsley

parsley

rosemary

rosemary

saffron

saffron

sesame-seeds

sesame-seeds

star anise

star anise

Sweet paprika

Sweet paprika

tarragon

tarragon

thyme

thyme

turmeric

turmeric

Vanilla

Vanilla

White pepper

White pepper

Other

Other