List of culinary herbs and spices

High school (ages 12+)
Food & Cooking

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/list-of-culinary-herbs-and-spices

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the botanical origin categories?Herbs (leaves), Spices (seeds, fruits, roots, bark, flowers)
2. What is the historical economic impact?Fueled global exploration, trade routes, and geopolitical power dynamics
3. What is the difference between an herb and a spice?Herbs are the leafy green parts of plants, like mint or basil. Spices come from other parts such as seeds, roots, bark, or flower buds.
4. Why do herbs and spices make food taste better?They contain essential oils and other natural compounds that give food strong flavors and aromas.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals released into the air that contribute to smell and flavor.
Essential Oils: Concentrated aromatic compounds extracted from plants, crucial for flavor and fragrance.
Sensory Perception: The process by which our senses (taste, smell) interpret stimuli.