Garden Herbs Quiz | Flowers, Plants & Gardens

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which herb, which shares its name with the owner of the fictional 'Fawlty Towers' hotel in Torquay England, is a basic ingredient of the Italian condiment pesto?

Answer: Basil

Basil is Britain's most widely sold herb. It originated in India where it was once considered sacred. It is used in summer salads and Mediterranean dishes especially in sauces for pasta. To grow basil sow the seeds in early spring in a container and place them near a sunny window and transplant them outside in the early summer.

2. Which herb with pretty purple flowers has a light onion flavour and is often used in potato salad?

Answer: Chives

Chives were once hung up in bunches inside the house to give protection from evil spirits. It is very popular in salads, soups and omelettes. To grow chives, sow the seeds in spring or autumn in rows about 12 inches apart and half an inch down in the soil. As soon as the plants are established thin them out to about six inches apart.

3. A sauce made of which herb is traditionally served with roast lamb in the UK?

Answer: Mint

Mint is easy to grow and can spread and become a nuisance so it needs careful watching. It is probably best grown in a container. It is used in salads and with roast meats, especially for mint sauce with lamb. It can also be used n drinks such as pimms, and a popular drink in the southern states of the U.S.A. mint julep. This is made with bourbon, sugar syrup, mint and ice.

4. Which herb, which is named after an ancient Roman City in Catalonia in Spain, is an important ingredient of tartare sauce?

Answer: Tarragon

Tarragona in Spain is an interesting Roman city with several ancient sites to visit. The herb tarragon has a sweet liquorice flavour and is often used in vinegars and oils. It is also used with cream to make the delicious dish tarragon chicken. This herb is not easily grown from seed. Plants from the nursery should be planted eighteen inches apart in early spring.

5. Which sturdy herb with needle like leaves and purple, pink and blue flowers is often used in lamb dishes?

Answer: Rosemary

Rosemary is used in traditional medicine and is said to be good for the brain, especially the memory. It is a sturdy herb with needle like leaves and has blue pink or purple flowers so it is often used as a decorative plant. Rosemary is especially good in lamb dishes, and can be picked and used throughout the year. Plant it in well drained soil in a sunny spot, and it is resistant to drought.

6. This herb is often used with onion and bread crumbs to make a stuffing for chicken or pork dishes. Its name can also be used to refer to a wise old person. What is it called?

Answer: Sage

Sage's slightly peppery flavour grows stronger as it gets older. Pieces of root four to six inches long should be planted in the autumn about six inches apart. It is best to plant it in a container or it can overpower the roots of nearby plants.

7. This herb's Latin name is Thymus vulgaris. It is an evergreen aromatic herb and is of the mint family. Can you tell me its name?

Answer: Thyme

Thyme is an evergreen perennial herb which grows best in hot sunny areas with well drained soil. The ancient Egyptians used it for embalming and the ancient Greeks put it in their baths and burned it as incense. In medieval times it was placed under pillows to help sleep and prevent nightmares.

8. Which herb with beautiful fragrant flowers is very calming and relaxing, and is often used under pillows or placed inside bed sheets in storage to promote sleep?

Answer: Lavender

Lavender is technically a shrub but is used in cooking, potpourri and teas. And is a relaxing aromatherapy oil. Lavender originates from Spain, the Canary Islands and North Africa.

9. The flowers of an herb are never edible. Only the leaves and/or roots of a herb can be eaten. True or false?

Answer: False

There are many flowers that are edible including nasturtiums, violas, marigolds and dianthus. They are especially useful at weddings and in cocktails to add a festive air. They can also be used in salads or for garnish.

10. This small plant with dark green leaves is native to the Mediterranean area but now grown all over the world. It is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes and valued for its antioxidant properties. Can you name it?

Answer: Parsley

Parsley can be used in soups, stews and salads. With milk or cream it makes a delicious sauce to serve with fish. It is also often used fresh as a garnish to various dishes. The seeds need to be soaked overnight and sown evenly. When the plants are established thin to about nine inches apart. It can be sown in spring for a summer crop or in summer for an autumn use.

Source: Author Serenesh

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor WesleyCrusher before going online.
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Garden Herbs Trivia Quiz

How much do you know about herbs? They can be grown very cheaply and easily, and enhance many dishes very much.

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