Herbs and Spices

Are you eating your alliums? These powerhouse vegetables, including familiar favorites like onions and garlic, are packed with incredible health benefits. In this article, we explore why allium vegetables are so healthy, how they can support your well-being, and simple tips to incorporate them into your daily meals.

Curious about cinnamon and its many wonders? This ancient spice has been prized for millennia, not just for its delightful flavor but also for its impressive health benefits. But there’s more to this popular spice than meets the eye. Dive into the fascinating history of cinnamon, uncover the truth about its potential health risks like lead contamination and coumarin content, and learn how to safely incorporate this versatile spice into your diet. Whether you’re curious about its origins, health benefits, or even delicious recipes, this article will give you the scoop on all things cinnamon. Let’s spice up your knowledge!

Parsley is best known as a garnish, but this leafy green herb deserves a main billing on your plate. Find out just how healthy parsley is for you — from fighting cancer to improving your bone health. And discover the best ways to use both fresh and dried parsley in your diet.

Hibiscus plants adorn many of the world’s most beautiful tropical locations and gardens. With their delicate petals and vibrant colors, the flowers are a delight to behold. But hibiscus offers benefits well beyond the visual. Food and drinks made with hibiscus have been used medicinally around the world for thousands of years. So what are the proven benefits of hibiscus, and how can you get this beautiful flower into your meals and beverages?

Ashwagandha is a medicinal plant with a long pedigree in Ayurveda, where it’s considered the “King of Herbs.” Many people swear by its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve sleep. It’s also been shown to enhance physical performance, combat neurological conditions, and even fight cancer. But does it have any risks? How much should you take, and for how long? And what are the best forms of the herb?

Garlic is so good for health, I’d probably eat it even if it didn’t taste great. But it tastes so amazing, I’d probably cook with it even if it weren’t that healthy. Fortunately, garlic checks both boxes like a champ. Find out about different types of garlic, and discover the many ways to add garlic to your daily menu.

Turmeric is a richly hued and strong-tasting spice that’s venerated on the Indian subcontinent for its spiritual significance, culinary uses, and medicinal power. And lately, it’s been marketed as a superfood supplement promising protection from disease and increased longevity. So what does scientific research say about turmeric? Does it live up to its hype? Does it have any side effects in high doses? Is it dangerously high in lead? And what’s the best way to consume it?

Turmeric is trending, thanks to its amazing nutritional benefits and its bold flavor and color. You may have enjoyed it in golden milk or as part of a curry, but what are other ways to get this wonderful spice into your life? And does it matter if it’s fresh or dried? Here’s what you need to know to incorporate the “golden spice” into your cooking.

Oregano is one of the most well-known herbs in the world, thanks to the popularity of Italian cuisine. Now scientists are discovering that this humble herb that flavors pizza sauce is one of the most powerful aids to immunity in our pharmacopeia (and our kitchens). What are the health benefits of oregano, and how can you add this amazing (and delicious!) herb to your diet?

We hear about superfoods all the time — amazing, exotic berries harvested from over 17,000 feet up in the Himalayas, or rare roots found only on Tuesdays three days before a full moon. I’m exaggerating, of course, but the functional food industry loves to sell us extremely expensive products that they claim contain health-promoting powers that don’t exist in “ordinary” foods. It turns out, though, that many of the inexpensive, readily available foods right under our noses are unappreciated “superfoods” in their own right.

Cooking with the right herbs and spices can turn ordinary meals into culinary superstars. And not only are many herbs and spices delicious and aromatic, but they’re among the healthiest foods science has ever encountered. You can buy many dried herbs and spices pretty much anywhere, but have you ever tried growing your own, or getting fresh ones and drying them yourself?

If you grew up eating the standard American diet, your first curry might have been a shock to your palate. (Either “My mouth is on fire; where’s the fire extinguisher?” or “Where have you been all my life?” depending on the level of spiciness and your tolerance.) But if you have Indian, Thai, Caribbean, or Chinese ancestry, curries may have been part of your culinary tradition for centuries. So what kinds of curries are there? Are they good for you? Can they be plant-based? And how can you get started cooking some of the world’s most popular dishes?