1. Herbs & spices are one of wonderful gifts of nature. Herbs are the low growing plants that do not produce woody stems like trees, but they grow long enough to develop flowers and seeds.
2. Herbs may include the flowering garden plants or potherbs having medicinal properties, they also may include the aromatic potherbs that are used in cookery for their savory qualities.
3. Some herbs have great medicinal properties. For medical purposes some herbs can be used and some are used dried and powdered. The study or science of using herbs for medical purposes is termed as herbology. Herbs are used to make a number of herbal medicines. Herbal medicines usually have no side effects.
4. Herbs usually come from the leafy parts of a plant. Some of the more commonly available fresh herbs include basil, bay leaf, chervil, coriander, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, savoury, tarragon and thyme.
5. Herbs can be classified into culinary herbs, Aromatic herbs, Ornamental herbs, and Medicinal herbs. Culinary herbs are widely used in cooking. Parsley is also a culinary herb that is used as garnish. Aromatic herbs are used for aromatic purposes. They are used to manufacture different types of perfumes.
6. Cosmetic herbs are founded in bright whitish coloured flowers. They are used in facial creams and cosmetics. Medicinal herbs have a strong curative power. Some medicinal herbs are useful while a few are dangerous too.
7. According to their seasons herbs can be classified as Annual bloom (growing for one season), Biennials (living for two seasons), and perennials (living over-winter and bloom in all the seasons).
8. Spices pungent or aromatic seasonings obtained from the bark, buds, fruit, roots, seeds or stems of various plants and trees. Some of the popular spices include allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, nutmeg, paprika, pepper, saffron and tumeric.
9. Spices are also used in blends, such as curry powder and spice parisienne. Condiments are a combination of herbs and spices, which is blended in the liquid form.
10. Herbs and spices can be used to add flavor to traditional foods. Herbs & spices are in use since ancient times. The trade of herbs & spices was very popular trade in the middle ages. Herbs and spices can be stored for a very long time. Herbs and spice storing should be protected from hydration and air tight containers can be used for this purpose.
Often spices & herbs are used in a wide variety of foods to make them flavoring & savoring. However, they should be used sparingly so they don't overpower the foods being seasoned. In the traditional culinary or cuisine arts their amount is usually fixed according to quantity & types of dishes.
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 View other articles written by Paul Symonds(427)
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