The terms herb and spice are often used interchangeably, which is a common mistake. They’re found in the same aisle at the grocery store and are both used in cooking, so what’s the difference?
The main difference between herbs and spices is the part of the plant they’re from. Spices are from seeds, roots, bark, fruit, or vegetables while herbs are the green, leafy parts of the plants.
There are more differences between spices and herbs and a couple of weird exceptions to this general distinction. Don’t worry, we’ll explain it all below!
What’s the difference between spices and herbs?
The main difference between herbs and spices is the part of the plant they come from. A spice is made from an aromatic plant or vegetable and is used to add flavor to foods and drinks and can also be used for homeopathic or medicinal purposes. (For example, cinnamon is often used as a homeopathic remedy for lowering blood sugar.)
Spices come from seeds, roots, bark, fruit, and vegetables (all plants) while herbs are usually the leaves or flowers of the plants. Ground and dried vegetables, such as ground garlic and onion powder, are used as spices culinary-wise.
Some examples of spices include:
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (peppers are considered fruit)
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Coriander
- Cumin
Herbs are usually green and more “herbaceous” and fresh in flavor compared to spices. Like spices, they add flavor to foods and drinks, and can also be used medicinally. Some examples of herbs include:
- Cilantro
- Oregano
- Mint
- Thyme
- Rosemary
While spices are always dried, herbs can be used fresh in addition to being dried. Dried herbs and spices can be whole or ground, like whole cinnamon sticks vs. ground and whole coriander seeds vs. ground coriander.
There are a few weird exceptions to these rules, like saffron – it’s from a flower which is usually considered an herb, but saffron is considered a spice. The same is true for cloves, which are unopened flower buds but are considered a spice.
Are spices always spicy?
Spices can be spicy and hot like cayenne pepper, but that’s not always the case. Some spices are considered “warm” without being overly hot or spicy, like cumin. Herbs aren’t usually spicy, but some have their own “kick”, such as the menthol in peppermint.
Some of the spicier spices are cayenne pepper, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Which are used in seasoning blends – herbs or spices?
Seasoning blends contain more than one herb or spice and are used to achieve a specific flavor, like how taco seasoning helps give Mexican dishes their distinct flavor. Seasonings (also called spice blends) can contain only herbs, only spices, or a mixture of both. Some seasoning blends contain added ingredients like salt and sugar in addition to herbs and spices.
Some of the most popular spice blends are taco seasoning, poultry seasoning, and pumpkin pie spice, but there are many more than just those. You can buy seasoning blends premade in stores or make your own.
Are herbs and spices suitable for special diets?
Herbs and spices are very low in calories and carbs given their serving size. All plain herbs and spices are suitable for all diets including vegan, Whole30, paleo, and keto. When it comes to spice blends/seasoning mixes it can get a little trickier because of added ingredients.
For instance, jerk seasoning is a spice blend that usually contains a sweetener of some kind, usually cane sugar – which is off-limits on a paleo diet. There are plenty of paleo-friendly versions of spice blends out there, and you can always go the DIY route and use paleo-friendly sweeteners if you need to.
Spice blends that contain added sugar are usually still keto-friendly since the amount used is usually quite low. If you’re worried, though, you can make or try to find a keto version of that spice blend since there are several keto-friendly sweeteners out there.
Summary of differences between herbs and spices
| Herb | Spice | |
| Part of plant | Leaves or flowers | Seeds, bark, root, or fruit |
| Tend to be spicy | No | Yes |
| Found fresh | Yes | Not usually |
| Found dried | Yes | Yes |
| In seasoning blends | Yes | Yes |
| Can be used homeopathically/ medicinally | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for special diets | Yes | Yes |
FAQs:
Cinnamon is from the bark of cinnamon trees and is used as a spice. It’s considered a warming spice without being overtly spicy.
Ground garlic is considered a spice culinary-wise. It’s made from ground and dried garlic, a vegetable in the onion family.
The coriander plant is unique because it can be used as an herb and a spice. The seeds are used as coriander (either whole seeds or ground) while the leaves are used as the herb cilantro!
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