Intro to A-Z Blogging

Well, Hello there!!! I am so pleased that you stopped by  to visit!
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    For the past many years I have had an interest...no, make that a fascination with herbs, spices and seasonings. - About how they were used by our ancestors centuries ago for a variety of ailments, and how they are used today to enhance your favorite recipe.

With this in mind I am attempting to present a different herb, spice or seasoning  for each day of the  A-Z Challenge. Please drop by often and perhaps we both will learn something new.



Let's get to know these terms a little better.

Herbs and spices have a variety of uses including culinary, medicinal and in some cases spiritual usage. General usage differs between culinary and medicinal herbs.
Culinary herbs are distinguished from vegetables in that they are used in small amounts to provide flavor, not substance, to food.
Medicinal herbs are those which are valued for their medicinal qualities.

HERBS --come from the leafy and green parts of the plant.
SPICES--are parts of the plant other that the leafy bit, such as root, stem,bulb, bark or seeds. These are dried and ground.
SEASONINGS-- Although they are numerous, for the purpose of this post I will use the definition of  Thomas Keller when he described "seasoning" as "anything used to enhance the flavor of an ingredient or dish without being distinguishable in and of itself".  For example, salt and acid(vinegar, lemon juice etc) as opposed to perhaps black pepper which asserts itself in addition to flavors that are already present.
NOTE-- Just an "FYI" , many people, including myself, use onions or the dried, ground version of is to flavour  food. It is technically not an herb or spice, but keep in mind that when preparing food,  the choices are up to you and ultimately you are the one who knows best what the tastes and preferences of your family and friends are. It is still nice, however, to step outside your "foodie comfort zone" and try something new! Bon Appetit !

It's time for Herbs and Spices!

Clockwise from "noon": Ginger,Parsley, Whole Allspice,Bay Leaves,Mustard Seed, Rosemary,
Garlic, Cardamom, Herb de Provence, Whole Nutmeg, Cloves, and Dillweed.
 Hands: Cinnamon Stick and Vanilla Bean

     
Hope to see you often during the A-Z Blogging event.              






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