Herbs and Spices

I. Introduction

herbs

spices

II. Chemical Nature

-aromatic (volatile) oils secretory glands

-terpenes menthol

-attract pollinators

-discourage herbivory

-allelopathy examples from agriculture from chapparal

II. History of Uses

A. Ancient Egyptians

-Ebers Papyrus

B. Trade in Spices

-ancient civilizations

-Marco Polo

-Christopher Columbus

-colonial expansion of Europe

IV. Examples of Herbs and Spices

A. Spices

1. Cinnamon (Lauraceae)

-Cinnamomum zeylanicum quills

2. Pepper

-Piper nigrum peppercorns

3. Cloves

-Eugenia caryophylata  mature trees dried flower buds

4. Nutmeg and Mace

-Myristica fragrans

-aril

-hallucinogen

-Nutmeg State

5. Saffron

-Crocus sativus

6. Vanilla

-Vanilla planifolia

vanillin vanilla extract

B. Herbs

-4 major herb-producing families

1. Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Mentha spicata (spearmint)

Mentha piperita (peppermint)

Origanum majorum (marjorum)

Origanum vulgare (oregano)

Ocimum basilicum (basil)

2. Apiaceae (Parsley Family)

Petroselinum crispum (parsley)

Anethum graveolens (dill)

Carum carvi (caraway)

3. Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)

-B. nigra (sinigrin)

-B. alba (sinalbin)

-myrosinase + sinigrin ---> volatile (essential) mustard oil

-Armoracia rusticana (Horseradish)

imitation wasabi

4. Liliaceae (Lily Family)

Allium sp.