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(Text)that offer up both herb and spice: coriander (cilantro), dill, and fennel all produce
edible leaves as well as seeds.
One interesting similarity between herbs and spices is their role in early medicine.
Virtually all have been used as curatives at some point in history. In fact, before herbs
and spices were widely used in the kitchen, they were prized for their medicinal and
mystical powers in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and China. Dating back to
1500 BC, the oldest known medicinal text, the Ebers Papyrus, contains more than 800
ancient Egyptian remedies featuring plants such as chamomile, cinnamon, coriander,
cardamom, fennel, garlic, mint, sesame, sage, and thyme. Egyptians also used herbs
for embalming, cosmetics, and perfumes.
Herbs and spices also held symbolic meaning in ancient cultures, and some have
even carried through to the modern day. In Greece and Rome, for example, poets,
athletes, and war heroes wore wreathed crowns of bay (laurel) leaves, a symbol of
honor. Today, poet “laureates” are wordsmiths of the highest order, and a “baccalau-
reate” degree is offered to university students upon graduation.
While some herbs and spices are still used for their medicinal properties, this book
covers only those with value in the kitchen. Luckily, most tasty seasonings grown from
the earth also have great health benefits: They are natural digestive aids, and many
offer antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also low in
calories and high in vitamins and minerals, making these flavor boosters an all-around
healthy addition to any meal.How to Use This Book
Herb & Spice Companion is divided into an Herb Guide and a Spice Guide, together
containing one hundred profiles of the world’s most commonly used seasonings. Each
guide is organized by availability in the marketplace: First up are the seasonings that
are widely sold at well-stocked supermarkets, specialty markets like Whole Foods and
Fairway, and local farmers markets. The more exotic seasonings come next. These will
take a little exploring to get your hands on, but many can be found in ethnic markets
or via online herb and spice merchants.
For those interested in starting an herb garden at home, each profile features
growing instructions that detail the plants’ basic needs, including light, water, and soil
requirements. See the following chapter, Growing Herbs & Spices at Home, for more
information. To learn how to store your seasonings for optimal freshness, flip to Drying,
Freezing, and Storing Herbs & Spices on page 17. And finally, when you're ready to savor
their flavors, each profile offers preparation tips and cooking suggestions.Job:07-61264 Title:RacePoint - Herb and Spice Companion
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