Herbs

Herbs and spices have been added to foods throughout history for preservation and flavour. Although they are plentiful and inexpensive today, herbs, spices, and other flavourings were considered as valuable as gold or jewels for many centuries.  

The definition of herbs has varied throughout the ages. Generally, herbs are now considered to be the aromatic leaves of plants that grow in a variety of climates. The leaves are used fresh, dried, chopped, or crushed to add a subtle taste to foods or oils. Sometimes they are steeped in water for teas and other beverages. Herbs are usually added at the end of the cooking process because long cooking times can erode their flavour.