(Solanum melongena) Prepared as a culinary vegetable but really a fruit, eggplant is classified as a berry because it contains small, edible seeds. Eggplants belong to the nightshade family which...

(Malus domestica) If watermelon is associated with summer then apples are synonymous with fall. This crisp, white-fleshed fruit comes in many sizes with a red, yellow or green skin. Depending...

Looking for a way to curb your salt habit? A great way is by doctoring up your meals with herbs & spices. Derived from the leaves, roots, bark, buds and...

(Thymus vulgaris) Thyme is indigenous to the Mediterranean. This plant has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and...

(Salvia officinalis) The Latin name for sage is salvia which means to heal so given to sage because of its medicinal properties. Sage has been used for centuries as a...

(Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary is easily distinguished by its strong, pungent, pine-like scent. Unlike dill or thyme, rosemary must be used sparingly to not overpower a dish. Rosemary is best known...

(Petroselinum crispum) Curled parsley (Petroselinum neapolitanum) Italian parsley The two most common varieties of parsley include curly leaf and flat leaf (Italian). With its dark leaves, clean, crisp taste, curly...

(Capiscum annuum) Paprika is a member of Capsicums, flowering plants that bear seeded fruits in the form of sweet and hot peppers. The fruit of Capsicum plants are commonly derived...

(Origanum vulgare) Oregano means “mountain joy” and along with basil, is synonymous with tomato based Italian cooking. But, this herb is widely used in Turkish, Greek, Spanish and Mexican culinary...

(Zingiber officinale) Ginger has been around for thousands of years and is associated with Indian and Chinese cooking. Although technically not a root but a rhizome (horizontal plant stem), ginger...

(Allium sativum) Also known as the “stinking rose,” garlic is in the same family as onions, leeks and scallions. The bulb is covered by a dry, thin membrane which can...