Tag: Herb

Phytochemical analysis has repeatedly confirmed that extracts from cinnamon bark contain a variety of active compounds, including saponins. This discovery adds to the spice's complex profile, alongside its more commonly known active ingredients like cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols.

Garlic, a staple in kitchens across the globe, has been used for over 5,000 years, with historical records suggesting the ancient Egyptians worshipped it as a deity and even used it as a form of currency. This long history and versatile usage have led many to question: what sort of food is garlic, really?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the most widely used and flavorful ingredients across global cuisines, which often leads to confusion: is garlic a fruit, vegetable, or herb? The answer is more complex than it seems, depending on whether you're talking botanically or culinarily.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, fenugreek has been used as a traditional medicine for approximately 6,000 years. However, its identity in modern cuisine is often a point of confusion for home cooks and chefs alike: is fenugreek a herb or a spice?

Garlic (Allium sativum), a common kitchen staple, is botanically classified as a bulb, a type of modified underground stem, not a fruit or a seed. This fact often comes as a surprise to many, highlighting the difference between a plant's scientific classification and its culinary use as a vegetable or herb.

Basil, also known as *Ocimum basilicum*, belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. While its leaves are used primarily as a flavorful culinary herb, its classification is not as simple as it seems. This piece delves into the nuances of what makes basil both an herb and, in some contexts, part of the broader vegetable family.

The common name 'sweet leaf' is not reserved for a single plant but refers to several different species across the globe, most notably *Stevia rebaudiana* and *Sauropus androgynus*. This shared name can cause confusion, as these plants have distinct origins, appearances, and uses.

Although commonly called 'ginger root', the pungent, knobby plant part is technically a rhizome, a type of underground stem. This botanical distinction clarifies how ginger propagates and stores energy, setting it apart from true root vegetables like carrots.

While commonly used to flavor dishes like a typical herb, ancient records indicate that onions have been cultivated for at least 7,000 years, functioning primarily as a staple vegetable. This dual nature is the source of frequent confusion, as the onion's role in cooking sometimes overshadows its botanical reality.

The use of lemon balm dates back over 2,000 years, with historical texts showing its traditional application in medicine and cuisine. The herb name for lemon balm is *Melissa officinalis*, a member of the mint family known for its calming properties and distinctive lemon scent. Its Greek genus name, *Melissa*, even means "honeybee," reflecting the plant's long history of attracting pollinators.