Herb of the Month

You cannot live in Southern Europe and especially Spain, without experiencing the flavour of Garlic. This pungent herb is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek and chive. With a history of human use of over 7,000 years, Garlic is native to central Asia and has long been part of the staple diet in the Mediterranean region as well as Asia and Africa. Bulb Garlic is available in many forms, including fresh, frozen, dried and it can also be produced in tubes or jars. […]

Cloves (Clavo) are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. The Clove Tree is an evergreen that grows to a height ranging from 8–12m. It has large leaves and sanguine flowers in numerous groups of terminal clusters. The flower buds are at first pale in colour, gradually become green, after which they develop into a bright red when they are ready for collecting. […]

Cinnamon – canela – is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum that is used in both sweet and savoury foods. Cinnamon is the name for perhaps a dozen species of trees and the commercial spice products that some of them produce. Only a few of them are grown commercially for spice. This ancient spice was imported from Egypt from as early as 2000 BC and was highly prized in ancient times being regarded as a gift fit for monarchs and gods. […]

Watercress is a fast-growing, aquatic or semi-aquatic, perennial plant native to Europe and Asia and one of the oldest known leaf vegetables consumed by humans. It is botanically related to garden cress, mustard and radish which are all noted for their peppery, tangy flavour. Watercress is closely related to nasturtiums and it has hollow stems that float on the water. It produces white and green flowers that grow in clusters. […]

Vanilla is a flavouring derived from the pods of orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily from the Mexican species, flat-leaved Vanilla. According to Totonac mythology, the tropical orchid was born when Princess Xanat, forbidden by her father from marrying a mortal, fled to the forest with her lover. The lovers were captured and beheaded. Where their blood touched the ground, the vine of the tropical orchid grew. […]

Thyme is a popular herb that can be found in hot, sunny locations as well as in cold climates and grows as a perennial, meaning that it grow throughout the year and will reappear every year. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings and even by dividing the root sections. It is a very resilient plant and is often found in the wild from mountain sides to sea level. The strong aroma can be smelled for miles on a remote Greek mountain. […]