| The difference between herbs and spices is rather | | | | experimented with different cuisines then you know |
| subtle. But the main difference is in knowing where the | | | | how much variety herbs and spices can bring to |
| plant species originates from and what part of the | | | | foods. We are truly fortunate today to have many of |
| plant is used. Spices tend to come from plants grown | | | | the world cuisines right in our own neighborhood |
| in tropical climates where as herbal plants can be | | | | restaurants. So, if you haven't already tried them, why |
| grown in many climates. Most herbs come from the | | | | not do so. Tasting food from various cultures will give |
| green parts of a plant such as the stem and leaves | | | | you an appreciation of how herbs and spices can be |
| while most spices come from the root, seeds, bark or | | | | used. For example, the oregano in Italian foods and |
| flowers of a plant. Cinnamon is a spice made from the | | | | curries used in Indian foods surely will demonstrate the |
| bark of the cinnamon tree. Ginger is made from roots | | | | difference that using herbs and spices make in |
| while cumin and nutmeg are made from seeds. | | | | cooking. |
| Over the passage of time the meaning and definition | | | | At home |
| of herbs and spices have changed and today the | | | | If you're not prepared to spend money to experiment |
| words are used interchangeably. One of the important | | | | with restaurant cuisines, then try experimenting with |
| differences between herbs and spices is in how to | | | | these herbs and spices when cooking at home. Most |
| use them when cooking. For example, herbs are used | | | | supermarkets carry a good selection of fresh cut and |
| in larger portions than spices for flavoring foods. | | | | dried herbs and spices. So, with just a little bit of effort, |
| Spices are generally stronger tasting and are used in | | | | you can bring this world of flavors into your meals at |
| much smaller amounts. | | | | home. |
| Some favorite herbs are: Thyme, Basil, Parsley, Chives, | | | | Using herbs |
| Oregano, Sage, Marjoram, Rosemary and mint | | | | Herbs and spices are best added near the end of the |
| Some favorite spices are: Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, | | | | cooking time to retain most of their flavors. Add them |
| Cloves, Curry, Cumin and Vanilla | | | | to soups and stews during the last hour of cooking. |
| Many people seem hesitant to experiment with new | | | | Adding freshly cut herbs such as parsley, basil and |
| food tastes and often stick with the tried and true. If | | | | cilantro to salads is a great way to eat herbs right out |
| you haven't tried some of these favorite herbs and | | | | of the garden. Other common uses of herbs and |
| spices cooked with your foods you may be surprised | | | | Spices are in making herbal teas or in the preserving |
| how good the food will taste. Combine various herbs | | | | of foods. Herbs have been used for medicinal |
| and spices with foods and you'll find how much you | | | | purposes well before pharmaceutical products were |
| enjoy altering the flavors of ordinary tasting dishes. | | | | ever invented. Another common use of herbs is in |
| Flavorings | | | | making cosmetic products. |
| Since ancient times, herbs and spices have been used | | | | As you can see there are many ways to add |
| to alter flavoring to foods. Every part of the world has | | | | wholesome goodness to your life using herbs and |
| it's own favorite food tastes and if you've | | | | spices. |