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Definitions
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Published 2025
Herbs are the leaves of certain plants that usually grow in temperate climates.
Spices are the buds, fruits, flowers, bark, seeds, and roots of plants and trees, many of which grow in tropical climates.
The distinction is often confusing, but it is not as important to know which flavorings are spices and which are herbs as it is to use them skillfully.
Table 6.1 is not a substitute for familiarity with the actual products. Eventually, you should be able to identify any spice on your shelf by aroma, taste, and appearance without looking at the label. The accompanying photos illustrate a number of whole spices.