Vanillin Vanilla
Thymol Thyme
Carvacrol Oregano
Estragole Tarragon
The Flavor Components in Common
Herbs
This chart and the chart opposite are a
guide to experiencing flavorings from
plants as the flavor mixtures they truly are.
The charts identify some of the important
flavor notes in individual herbs and spices,
both by general sensory quality and by the
names of the chemicals that contribute
them. This information can help us
perceive more in the flavor of a given herb
or spice, and understand its affinities for
other ingredients.
The lists of flavor qualities and
chemicals are selective, and the groupings
informal. The “light” category comprises