Spices & Herbs - What's the Difference?
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The terms "spice" and "herb" have both been used to describe parts of plants (possibly dried) that are used to enhance the flavor or taste of food. Over time the definitions for spices and herbs have changed a bit. In the past, spices have been categorized as fragrant, aromatic plant products like cinnamon, cloves, ginger and pepper. These spices are found in plants grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. While herbs have mainly been recognized as the more green, leafy products like mint, rosemary and thyme grown in more temperate areas.
The essential difference between an herb and a spice is where it is obtained from on a plant. Herbs usually come from the leafy part of a plant, and can be used fresh or dried. Spices can be obtained from seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or some other vegetative substance. Herbs can be found many places around the world, while spices are more commonly found in the Far East and tropical countries. Also, a botanical definition reveals that an herb is a plant that doesn't produce a woody stem.
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According to Elisabeth Lambert Ortiz, author of "The Encyclopedia of Herbs Spices & Flavorings A Cook's Compendium"
The difference between an herb and a spice is easily defined. Herbs
are the leaves of fresh or dried plants, while spices are the aromatic
parts: buds, fruit, berries, roots, or bark, usually dried, from plants
that thrive in tropical regions.
Sources and Additional Information: Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (tenth edition): HERB: 1. a seed-producing annual, biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but dies down at the end of a growing season. 2. a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. SPICE: 1. Any of various aromatic vegetable products (as pepper or nutmeg) used to season or flavor foods. http://www.infoplease.com/askeds/difference-herb-spice.html http://ezinearticles.com/?Spices-vs.-Herbs:-Whats-the-Difference?&id=151811 |
*Above photographs copied & edited from Elisabeth's book. Photographer
David Murray |