Spices and herbs are both used to flavor food, but they come from different parts of plants and have different culinary uses.
Herbs are the leafy parts of plants that are used for their aromatic, savory, or medicinal properties. Examples of herbs include basil, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Herbs are generally used fresh or dried and are often added to dishes towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
Spices, on the other hand, come from the bark, roots, seeds, or fruit of plants and are typically used to add heat, pungency, or depth of flavor to a dish. Examples of spices include cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. Spices can be used whole or ground, and they can be added to a dish at any point during cooking.
Another difference between herbs and spices is their origin. While herbs are often associated with Mediterranean and European cuisine, spices are commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisine.
In summary, while both herbs and spices are used to add flavor to food, herbs come from the leafy parts of plants and are used for their aroma, while spices come from other parts of plants and are used for their flavor and heat.
