Crossword Dictionary
Herb
Herbs are plants with fragrant or aromatic properties. Herbs can be used to flavor food, included in fragrances, and even a part of natural medicines. Basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and dill are all herbs. Note that for each of these, the herb is the green or leafy part of some kind of plant. In the case of basil, the leaves can be quite large, whereas rosemary leaves are more like spines of an evergreen plant.
The essential difference between herbs and spices lies with what part of the plant they originate from. An herb is a leaf or other green plant of the plant. Any other element of the plant would be considered a spice—including dried bark, the roots, a berry, seeds, twigs, or other plant matter that is used to season or flavor a dish.
Examples
| Chamomile | Parsley | Bay Leaves |
| Tarragon | Mint | Cilantro |
| Chives | Dill | Chervil |
| Lavender | Basil | Winter Savory |
| Lemon | Sage | Peppermint |
| Myrtle | Rosemary | Stevia |
| Lemon Verbena | Thyme | Lemongrass |
| Cicely | Cilantro / Coriander | Oregano |
| Spearmint | Fennel | Marjoram |
Herbs
herb - n
aromatic potherb used in cookery for its savory qualities
In general use, herbs are a widely distributed and widespread group of plants, excluding vegetables and other plants consumed for macronutrients, with savory or aromatic properties that are used for flavoring and garnishing food, for medicinal purposes, or for fragrances. Culinary use typically distinguishes herbs from spices. Herbs generally refers to the leafy green or flowering parts of a plant (either fresh or dried), while spices are usually dried and produced from other parts of the plant, including seeds, bark, roots and fruits.
Popular Culinary Herbs
Basil, Mint, Parsley, Cilantro, Oregano, Thyme, Tarragon, Bay Leaf, Rosemary, Sage, Chervil, Dill, Marjoram, Lavender, Chives
seasoning
noun
Salt, herbs, or spices added to food to enhance the flavour.
synonyms
flavouring, salt and pepper, herbs, spices, condiments
examples:
‘To this end he also makes sausages flavoured with fancy herbs and seasonings.’
‘Another approach to lamb cookery is to use strongly flavoured seasonings.’
‘She applied spices and herbs and added some other liquid seasonings.’
‘I'm not a fan of hiding flavors with heavy sauces or using too many herbs or seasonings.’
‘Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and either lemon juice or wine vinegar.’
‘Cayenne, a spicy seasoning used in subtropical cuisines, represents Spanish and Afro-Caribbean influences.’