Difference between herbs and spices

Smelling or aromatic herbs and spices are used in all the kitchens of the world since they are the ones that color, flavor and decorate culinary dishes.

Both herbs and spices were considered treasures in ancient times. In addition to providing flavors and smells, aromatic herbs are the perfect substitute to reduce salt and are good for health since many of them have therapeutic and pharmacological properties.

What is the difference between herb and spices?

The herbs

It is a group of aromatic plants or herbs whose main characteristic is that they are always fresh and generally complete in stem, leaf and occasionally in the root. Some examples are bay leaf, coriander, rosemary or tarragon, among others. They are also freshly cut or almost freshly cut.

The herbs are also often leave a fragrant plant or tree.

Uses in the kitchen: Aromatic herbs are frequently used in cooking to flavor and flavor meats, marinades, sauces, salads, soups, rice and other ** dishes *.

The spices

The term spices refer to the hard parts such as seeds, barks or roots, and even to aromatic but dry herbs. They can be pulverized, chopped or complete, because in this way, they are better preserved.

Uses in the Kitchen: The way you use spices when cooking differs somewhat from aromatic herbs. Usually, spices need a little fat to develop their flavor and fully spread in our dish. However, you have to be very careful, as they can burn easily if left at high temperatures too long.

The herbs are often the fragrant leaves of a plant or tree, while the term spice is usually applied to the hard parts like seeds, bark or roots of plants.

It is very interesting to know that spices, and aromatic herbs in general, are important ingredients of medicine and, also of magic, which is born from knowing, touching, smelling and feeling them and thereby learning their essence so that it results easier to combine them.

Plants offering herbs and spices

You can find herbs and seeds of the same name, for example, coriander. The leaves of the Coriandrum sativum plant are called coriander. They are an herb. At the same time, the seeds are a spice. So in the kitchen, the herbs are the leaves, while the spices come from the rest of the plant. Botanically, herbs are whole plants that do not have wooden parts like trees and shrubs.

Sage, basil, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf are some of the most commonly used Mediterranean herbs and that anyone can grow in pots to later enjoy their magical virtues.

Likewise, each region of the world has the herbs and spices that are best adapted to its cuisine, to its own flavors, meats and tastes, such as the case of Mexican cuisine that has very special condiments and that distinguish it in the world. For example, oregano, epazote, coriander, holy leaf (acuyo), avocado leaf, papa, parsley.

Now that you know the differences between herbs and spices, it will be much easier to learn how to use them in the kitchen and incorporate them into your dishes. Now, to enjoy its delicious properties.