Herbs and spices can either make or break a recipe. Learning how to use them is essential for any good cook. But that can be a little tricky. Not only is there an infinite number of herbs and spices to choose from, but each one comes with its own set of rules.
What's the difference between an herb and a spice? Both come from plants, but they come from different parts of the plant. While an herb originates from the green, leafy part of the plant, spices can arise from the root, stem, seed, fruit, flower, or bark of a tree or plant. Cilantro is an excellent example of this: while cilantro (a herb) is the leaf of the Coriandrum sativum plant, coriander (a spice) is the seed from the same plant.
It can all get a bit confusing when it comes to fresh versus dried or whole versus ground. And while most of us are comfortable using basic seasonings such as salt and pepper, not everyone knows how to use turmeric. Or Sage. Or Coriander. Or Marjoram.
Trying out a new recipe often requires using an herb or spice you don't have, so you buy it. And then, sadly, for most of us, it sits in your cupboard, forever . That can get expensive because all herbs and spices have an expiration date. Most expire within about a year of purchase. And while they're most likely safe to consume, they might not hold the same intense flavor as when you first brought them home.
For a complete list of basic herbs to the most exotic seeds and chili peppers check out The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs: An Essential Guide to the Flavors of the World