Adv. Foods: Herbs & Spices
What is the ratio rule of fresh to dried herbs?
1 Tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried
How long do ground spices keep their flavor?
1 year
Name three qualities of herbs
1) Flavorful green leaves and stems, 2) Grow in temperate zone, 3) Best when fresh
Flavor sytems are based on what two factors?
1) indigeneous foods that grow in a region and 2) herbs and spices, which give unique flavor
How long do whole spices keep their flavor?
3 years
How long do dried, crushed herbs keep their flavor?
6 months
What is Herb de Provence?
A combination of dried basil, fennel seed, marjoram, rosemary, sage, savory, thyme and sometimes lavender
When are robust herbs added?
At the beginning
When are tender leaves added to a dish?
At the end of the cooking time
What herb is usually removed from foods at the end of cooking?
Bay leaf
What is the difference between white and black peppercorns?
Black = unripe berry; White = ripe before drying
Name 5 spices in pumpkin pie spice
Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, allspice
What kind of containers should you store herbs and spices?
Closed, opaque containers
Name three examples of a seasoning blend (combinations of herbs and spices).
Curry powder, pumpkin pie spice, Italian seasoning
What 6 parts of the plant are spices from?
Dried, ground bark; berry; buds; fruit; root
True or False: Vanilla is the 2nd most expensive spice which comes from the pine needles.
False. Vanilla comes from the pod of a vine orchid.
Name a spice that is sold fresh
Ginger
Coriander, parley roots, garlic and fennel bulbs are all examples of herbs or spices?
Herbs
Which grows better here, herbs or spices?
Herbs
What are tender herbs?
Herbs that have tender leaves and stems
What are "robust herbs?"
Herbs with tough stems and resistant to heat / cooking.
Why is saffron so expensive?
It is made of the stigma of a small, purple crocus, must be handpicked, and it takes 14,000 stigma to make 1 ounce.
What are herbs?
Leafy part of plants; they are easy to grow
Name three enemies of herbs and spices.
Light, air and heat
Basil, rosemary and thyme are members of what family?
Mint
Name three examples of spices that are sold whole or in pieces.
Nutmeg, cinnamon, peppercorn
Italian seasoning is made of what three herbs?
Oregano, basil, and thyme
Name three examples of fresh herbs
Parsley, rosemary, cilantro
Herbs and spices come from ______________________.
Plants
Give three examples of robust herbs
Rosemary, oregano, sage
How can you bring out the flavor in dried herbs?
Rub or pinch them between your fingers
Name the most expensive spice in the world
Saffron
Give two examples of dishes that "robust herbs" are used in.
Soups and stews
Which is more potent (strong): herbs or spices?
Spices
Are robust herbs strong or weak in flavor?
Strong
Name 3 different types of salt
Table salt, kosher salt, sea salt
What climate do we live in?
Temperate
Name three examples of dried herbs
Thyme, basil, oregano
What is the primary reason for using herbs and spices?
To add flavor and aroma
How should you care for fresh herbs when purchased from the store?
Trim ends, wrap with moist paper towel, put in fridge.
From what regions do most spices grow?
Tropical regions
True or False: You should not keep herbs and spices near the range / stove top.
True
True or False: A plant can be both an herb and a spice
True. Dill seeds are sold as a spice, while dill leaves are an herb.
How can you grind spices?
Use a coffee grinder or a mortar / pestle
Which 2 forms do most spices come in?
Whole or ground
Some spices are sold ____________ or in _____________. Others are sold __________________________.
whole; pieces; fresh