Basil is an herb that comes in many varieties. Sweet basil is the most commonly known. Basil does not provide many nutrients, but it adds its own unique flavor to cooking. Basil is a green leafy plant native to Asia and Africa. Most basil sold in supermarkets is dried.
2. Mint
Answer: Herb
Mint is a perennial herb that is easy to grow and can become invasive. It is known for its variety of uses. Mint leaves are used in everything from salads to cocktails Mint oil is used in toothpaste, and balm.
3. Nutmeg
Answer: Spice
Nutmeg is a spice that comes from grinding the seeds of the nutmeg tree into a powder. Indonesia is a large producer of nutmeg. Nutmeg is used in food preparation around the world. However, too much nutmeg can be highly toxic and even fatal.
Nutmeg has many health benefits, as an antioxidant, an antidepressant, and it has antibacterial properties.
4. Bay
Answer: Herb
Bay is an aromatic leaf that comes primarily from the Bay Laurel. When use in cooking it can be either fresh or dried. The bay leaf acts as a supplement and enhances the flavors of dishes. It is usually discarded prior to serving. The bay leaf is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
5. Vanilla
Answer: Spice
A spice, vanilla is second only to saffron in expense because of the amount of labor involved to extract the seed from the pods. Originally native to Mexico, vanilla is a vine with orchid-like flowers.
The Spanish conquistador Cortez brought the vanilla plant to Europe, but it didn't fare well because the only then known method of propagation was Melipona bee which was only found in the Indian Ocean area.
Mexico was the world's largest producer of vanilla until the mid-19th century when vanilla farmers were expected to pay rent for their land. Around that time an alternative method of pollination was discovered by a young boy on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
The majority of the world's supply of vanilla comes from Madagascar and Indonesia.
6. Marjoram
Answer: Herb
Marjoram is closely related to oregano, as both are herbs from the mint family. Marjoram is a perennial plant that has fuzzy green leaves in clusters that look like knots. Marjoram is used as a garnish in soup, stews, salads and sauces.
7. Tarragon
Answer: Herb
Tarragon is a perennial herb with thin shiny leaves and a slightly licorice flavor. It is used in salad dressings and sauces. Tarragon is widely used in French cooking and goes well with fish and chicken.
8. Paprika
Answer: Spice
Paprika is a spice made from dried red peppers or in combination with other types of pepper. Paprika comes mostly from Hungary or Spain and is either sweet, hot, or smokey. The most common type, found in local supermarkets is sweet paprika.
9. Cumin
Answer: Spice
Cumin is a spice. It is a flowering plant, native to Iran and Turkey. Cumin is the dried seed of the plant. Cumin has been used for medicinal purposes; to help cure indigestion, improving blood-sugar levels and promoting weight-loss. Cumin is also a good source of iron.
Cumin has a nutty flavor and is often found in the dishes of Mediterranean countries, Mexico and India.
10. Saffron
Answer: Spice
Saffron is the most expensive of all the spices. It has been referred to as "red gold". Saffron comes from the stigmas of the saffron crocus. It would take 50 to 60 saffron crocuses to produce one teaspoon of saffron powder. The red stigmas are hand-picked early in the morning. In an 8-hour day one worker might be able to produce one gram of saffron.
Saffron adds color and aroma to cooking.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
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