The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to herbs and spices:
Herbs – Herbs are plant-based ingredients that primarily come from the leafy green parts of plants, such as leaves, stems, and flowers. They are typically used fresh or dried, and their flavors are often milder and more aromatic. Herbs are commonly added toward the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavors and are often used in larger quantities compared to spices. They are versatile in both savory and some sweet dishes. Examples of popular herbs include basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, and rosemary, all of which enhance the flavor profile of a dish with their fresh, fragrant qualities.
Spices – Spices, on the other hand, are derived from other parts of the plant, such as seeds, roots, bark, or flowers. They are typically dried and sometimes ground into powders, and they tend to have stronger, more intense flavors compared to herbs. Spices are often used in smaller quantities due to their potency and are known for adding heat, depth, or warmth to a dish. They are used throughout cooking to build flavors and are especially important in creating complex spice blends. Common examples of spices include cinnamon (from bark), ginger (from root), cumin (from seeds), and cloves (from flower buds), all of which bring bold, distinctive tastes to a variety of cuisines.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)Following Montezuma's capture, one of Cortés' officers saw him drinking "chocolatl" (made of powdered cocoa beans and ground corn flavored with ground vanilla pods and honey). The Spanish tried this drink themselves and were so impressed by this new taste sensation that they took samples back to Spain.' and 'Actually it was vanilla rather than the chocolate that made a bigger hit and by 1700 the use of vanilla was spread over all of Europe. Mexico became the leading producer of vanilla for three centuries. – Excerpted from 'Spices of the World Cookbook' by McCormick and 'The Book of Spices' by Frederic Rosengarten, Jr