Leaves and herbs
Curry leaf, bay, basil, oregano, kaffir lime and fenugreek: aromatic leaves, fresh and dried.
Leaf spices and aromatic herbs include bay, curry leaf, kaffir lime leaf, pandan, mint, oregano and thyme. They are used fresh or dried for scent more than for heat.
What they are
Leaf spices come from woody shrubs and herbs. Bay laurel, curry leaf and kaffir lime leaf are tough leaves that give flavour and are usually not eaten. Others, such as mint and oregano, are tender and are eaten whole. Many grow in warm climates and are used fresh in the places where they grow.
How they are used
Curry leaves are fried in oil at the start of a South Indian dish, bay is simmered in stews, and kaffir lime leaves go into Thai curries and soups. Dried oregano and thyme are rubbed into meat and sauces, and mint tea is a drink across North Africa and the Middle East.
Buying and keeping
Fresh leaves keep a few days in the fridge and curry leaves freeze well. Dried leaves should still be green and fragrant. Replace dried herbs after a year.
Leaf on EveryMasala
The spices written up so far, best known first.
馃嚠馃嚦 India and 4 moreFennel
The anise-scented seeds and crisp bulb of a Mediterranean perennial herbSeed 路 Anise and liquorice 路 Sweet and mellow
馃嚠馃嚦 India and 4 moreBasil
A tender culinary herb with glossy leaves and a licorice-like aroma, native to tropical Asia.Leaf 路 Anise and liquorice 路 Warm and sweet-spiced
馃嚘馃嚝 Afghanistan and 5 moreLovage谢褞斜懈褋褌芯泻
A tall European herb with celery-like leaves and spicy seeds used in soups and broths.Leaf 路 Sharp and pungent 路 Herbal and green
馃嚞馃嚪 Greece and 4 moreThyme
The dried leaves of a Mediterranean mint-family herb, used to perfume stews and baths alike.Leaf 路 Earthy and deep 路 Warm and sweet-spiced
馃嚠馃嚤 Israel and 5 moreCoriander
The leaves and dried seeds of an annual Mediterranean herb used in cuisines worldwide.Leaf 路 Citrus and bright 路 Warm and sweet-spiced
馃嚠馃嚦 IndiaWild cinnamon
The aromatic leaves and bark of a Western Ghats tree, once known as malabathrum.Leaf 路 Warm and sweet-spiced
馃嚭馃嚫 United StatesMrs. Burns' Lemon Basil
An heirloom sweet basil cultivar from New Mexico with intense lemon flavor and large leaves.Leaf 路 Citrus and bright 路 Floral and perfumed
馃嚠馃嚦 India and 5 moreFenugreek丨賱亘丞 (hilba)
The cuboid seed of an annual legume, prized for its bitter warmth and maple aroma.Seed 路 Bitter 路 Warm and sweet-spiced
馃嚮馃嚦 Vietnam and 1 moreRice paddy herbng貌 么m
A tropical aquatic herb with lemon-cumin notes, native to Southeast Asian rice fields.Leaf 路 Citrus and bright 路 Warm and sweet-spiced
馃嚘馃嚭 AustraliaDorrigo pepper
The wild-harvested berry and leaf of an Australian shrub, known for its peppery heat.Fruit 路 Hot and fiery 路 Warm and sweet-spiced
Photo credits on this page
The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.
- Dorrigo pepper: Poyt448, Peter Woodard, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Fennel: Elekes Andor, CC BY 4.0, source
- Thyme: Evan-Amos, CC0, source
- Fenugreek: Yak, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Wild cinnamon: Dinesh Valke, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Rice paddy herb: Emilia Murray, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Coriander: Thamizhpparithi Maari, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Basil: Castielli, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Lovage: 4028mdk09, CC BY-SA 3.0, source