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Herbs Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Herbs Quizzes, Trivia

Herbs Trivia

Herbs Trivia Quizzes

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6 Herbs quizzes and 70 Herbs trivia questions.
1.
Its Thyme to Grow Some Herbs Herb
  It's Thyme to Grow Some Herbs, Herb   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
You don't have to go to the grocery market and pay inflated prices for herbs to flavor your foods. You can grow them right at home. Let's see how much you already know about them.
Easier, 10 Qns, CmdrK, May 23 14
Easier
CmdrK gold member
2260 plays
2.
  Thyme after Thyme   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Welcome to a quiz about one of Mother Nature's most dynamic herbs. I hope you have the "Thyme of Your Life".
Average, 10 Qns, pollucci19, Jun 07 12
Average
pollucci19 gold member
464 plays
3.
  Herb Gardens   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 20 Qns
Everybody seems to be planting herb gardens lately, either outdoors or in windowboxes. See how much you know about these useful plants.
Tough, 20 Qns, jouen58, Aug 14 17
Tough
jouen58
2107 plays
4.
  Garden Herbs    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
How much do you know about herbs? They can be grown very cheaply and easily, and enhance many dishes very much.
Easier, 10 Qns, Serenesh, Nov 17 22
Easier
Serenesh gold member
Nov 17 22
606 plays
5.
  Practical Practicum of Herbs   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here's some interesting little tidbits about some interesting little plants...
Average, 10 Qns, babsr, Jun 07 07
Average
babsr gold member
2158 plays
6.
  For Herbalists   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A gardener's look at some popular herbs and their properties.
Tough, 10 Qns, SBH, May 24 07
Tough
SBH
1480 plays

Herbs Trivia Questions
1. Which herb, which shares its name with the owner of the fictional 'Fawlty Towers' hotel in Torquay England, is a basic ingredient of the Italian condiment pesto?

From Quiz Garden Herbs

Answer: Basil

Basil is Britain's most widely sold herb. It originated in India where it was once considered sacred. It is used in summer salads and Mediterranean dishes especially in sauces for pasta. To grow basil sow the seeds in early spring in a container and place them near a sunny window and transplant them outside in the early summer.

2. "Lookin' For a Good Thyme" Common thyme is an herbaceous plant but which rather crude sounding Thymus species is it from?

From Quiz Thyme after Thyme

Answer: Thymus Vulgaris

Thymus Vulgaris has many different cultivars including the fragrant French and English thymes as well as the Winter and Summer thymes. It is native to the southern areas of Europe and is grown mainly for culinary purposes. It is perennial, which means it should last indefinitely, its leaves are oval and grey green in colour and, if not looked after, its stems can become woody.

3. The white flowers of this plant changed color when the Virgin Mary spread her cloak over it.

From Quiz Practical Practicum of Herbs

Answer: Rosemary

During the flight to Egypt, tradition has it that Mary spread her cloak over the rosemary bush to make a shelter, and the white flowers turned blue.

4. This herb, often administered to alleviate depression, can be recognized by the red oil in its petals that can stain skin and clothes.

From Quiz For Herbalists

Answer: St. John's Wort

It's also used in healing salves, but it shouldn't be taken internally in combination with prescription antidepressants.

5. To get the best flavor, you should plant the Mexican or Greek variety of which herb?

From Quiz Herb Gardens

Answer: Oregano

The large-leaved variety commonly sold in garden centers and supermarkets has little flavor.

6. Which herb with pretty purple flowers has a light onion flavour and is often used in potato salad?

From Quiz Garden Herbs

Answer: Chives

Chives were once hung up in bunches inside the house to give protection from evil spirits. It is very popular in salads, soups and omelettes. To grow chives, sow the seeds in spring or autumn in rows about 12 inches apart and half an inch down in the soil. As soon as the plants are established thin them out to about six inches apart.

7. The golden petals of this humble plant can be used in the place of more expensive saffron in cooking:

From Quiz Practical Practicum of Herbs

Answer: marigold

Also known in some varieties as "Calendula", it can be used as a dye, and is often found in herbal cosmetics. Be advised - there are different varieties of marigolds, but I have actually used the petals of the so-called garden marigold (Tagetes) to good effect as well.

8. Nepeta cataria is a relative of the mint family, as you can tell from its square stem and paired leaves. It can be made into a calming tea, but it's far more often used for a different purpose. Its common name is...?

From Quiz For Herbalists

Answer: Catnip

Of course, most people give catnip to their cats, for whom it's a powerful and apparently delightful drug. It contains the highest doses of the active ingredient when it's flowering.

9. A sauce made of which herb is traditionally served with roast lamb in the UK?

From Quiz Garden Herbs

Answer: Mint

Mint is easy to grow and can spread and become a nuisance so it needs careful watching. It is probably best grown in a container. It is used in salads and with roast meats, especially for mint sauce with lamb. It can also be used n drinks such as pimms, and a popular drink in the southern states of the U.S.A. mint julep. This is made with bourbon, sugar syrup, mint and ice.

10. "Thyme to Grow" What type of soil is best suited for growing thyme?

From Quiz Thyme after Thyme

Answer: Sandy

Thyme will thrive in sandy soil. The soil can be neutral to slightly alkaline, however, as thyme is not keen on getting its roots too wet, ensure that the soil drains well. In addition, provide it with a heavy mulching during its first winter to give it some added protection. It will also enjoy a sunny position though, in extremely hot temperatures, it will become vulnerable to diseases. Overall, after a year of established growth it becomes a very easy plant to look after.

11. Despite its prickly hairs, this tall dark blue and pink flowered plant can be made into soup, and its juices are soothing to skin injuries.

From Quiz For Herbalists

Answer: Borage

Its leaves taste and smell like cucumber.

12. Lemon, Cinnamon, Piccolo, and Sacred are varieties of this popular culinary herb.

From Quiz Herb Gardens

Answer: Basil

The Sacred variety of basil comes from India, where it is venerated. The others are self-explanatory.

13. Which herb, which is named after an ancient Roman City in Catalonia in Spain, is an important ingredient of tartare sauce?

From Quiz Garden Herbs

Answer: Tarragon

Tarragona in Spain is an interesting Roman city with several ancient sites to visit. The herb tarragon has a sweet liquorice flavour and is often used in vinegars and oils. It is also used with cream to make the delicious dish tarragon chicken. This herb is not easily grown from seed. Plants from the nursery should be planted eighteen inches apart in early spring.

14. "You Picked a Fine Thyme to Leave Me" What part of thyme is predominantly used in cooking?

From Quiz Thyme after Thyme

Answer: Leaves

Whilst the flowers are used, the leaves are the predominant part associated with culinary pursuits. The leaves can be harvested all through the summer months but the best flavours can be obtained by picking the leaves just as the plant is starting to flower. Regular picking and pruning of the soft stems will prevent the plant from going woody. When cooking, it is best to remove the leaves from the stem. These should then be crushed or bruised between the fingers to extract the maximum flavour. Thyme is an easy herb to dry. Simply hang the stems in a dry area for 10 to 14 days. The dried leaves can be stored in a dark place for up to six months. If you do not wish to go down the drying route store them in a plastic bag in the crisper of your fridge or place the stems in a glass of water on a shelf in the fridge. Thyme's ability to aid digestion makes it an ideal herb to use with fatty meats such as lamb, pork and duck, however, it is also a great companion and compliment to salads and soups, sauces, breads, vegetables and desserts.

15. This tall biennial blooms with crowns of white flowers that give off a strong, almost sickly sweet smell. Its stems can be candied.

From Quiz For Herbalists

Answer: Angelica

It's an especially beloved ingredient in Persian cuisine.

16. This type of plant (which is more familiar in its larger-flowered varieties) has leaves that can smell like roses, nutmeg, coconut, lemon, lime, and lemon-rose (among others).

From Quiz Herb Gardens

Answer: Geraniums

Scented-leaf geraniums have smaller, less conspicuous flowers than the type most of us are familiar with. The leaves may also be smaller, curlier, or more deeply divided.

17. Which sturdy herb with needle like leaves and purple, pink and blue flowers is often used in lamb dishes?

From Quiz Garden Herbs

Answer: Rosemary

Rosemary is used in traditional medicine and is said to be good for the brain, especially the memory. It is a sturdy herb with needle like leaves and has blue pink or purple flowers so it is often used as a decorative plant. Rosemary is especially good in lamb dishes, and can be picked and used throughout the year. Plant it in well drained soil in a sunny spot, and it is resistant to drought.

18. "(Gonna Go) Back in Thyme" Which ancient culture is best known for using thyme in the embalming process?

From Quiz Thyme after Thyme

Answer: Egyptian

The high thymol content that it possesses makes thyme the ideal herb to use as an embalming agent. Apart from the thyme's wonderful scent, its thymol is a highly effective fumigant which would help in killing off bacteria and fungi. There is also some suggestion that thyme is a great agent in assist passage to "the other side" and it is not uncommon to see sprigs of the herb placed inside coffins. Thyme's association with death does not stop there. One of the traditions in Wales is to plant fragrant thyme bushes on graves and the Order of Oddfellows will carry sprigs of the herb to the funeral of a deceased brother and toss it into the grave.

19. With its dramatic purple-and-yellow colour scheme, this tall, drought-resistant flower is a favourite with gardeners who want to create a dramatic midsummer garden, but it also has beneficial effects on the human immune system.

From Quiz For Herbalists

Answer: Purple coneflower

It's sold medicinally under its Latin name of Echinacea.

20. This herb is often used with onion and bread crumbs to make a stuffing for chicken or pork dishes. Its name can also be used to refer to a wise old person. What is it called?

From Quiz Garden Herbs

Answer: Sage

Sage's slightly peppery flavour grows stronger as it gets older. Pieces of root four to six inches long should be planted in the autumn about six inches apart. It is best to plant it in a container or it can overpower the roots of nearby plants.

21. "Thyme Passages" The credit for spreading thyme throughout Europe was given to which conquering civilisation?

From Quiz Thyme after Thyme

Answer: The Romans

It is believed that the ancient Sumerians were the first to cultivate the herb some 5,000 years ago and then the Greeks welcomed it into their homeland. However, it was the Romans during their great conquests of Europe who took samples of thyme and spread it across the continent. The Romans found that thyme added a delightful flavour to their cheeses and liquors and they prescribed it as a cure for people who suffered from melancholy and shyness. Pliny the Elder recommended the burning of thyme leaves as a means to repel venomous creatures such as scorpions.

22. This pungent plant blooms late in the summer and is easily recognized by its fernlike leaves and yellow, buttonlike flowers. It's a prolific wildflower that is only occasionally seen in gardens, despite its attractiveness.

From Quiz For Herbalists

Answer: Tansy

It medieval Europe it was used as a flavouring for Easter pastry. It can also be used in sachets to keep insects away.

23. This herb, most often grown and used for fragrance, is an ingredient of the classic Herbs de Provence.

From Quiz Herb Gardens

Answer: Lavender

Lavender adds a touch of sweetness to this traditional herb mixture.

24. This herb's Latin name is Thymus vulgaris. It is an evergreen aromatic herb and is of the mint family. Can you tell me its name?

From Quiz Garden Herbs

Answer: Thyme

Thyme is an evergreen perennial herb which grows best in hot sunny areas with well drained soil. The ancient Egyptians used it for embalming and the ancient Greeks put it in their baths and burned it as incense. In medieval times it was placed under pillows to help sleep and prevent nightmares.

25. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and what herb finishes this foursome?

From Quiz Practical Practicum of Herbs

Answer: thyme

Thyme is the 4th member of this famous quartet, made famous by Simon & Garfunkel. The refrain comes from the traditional English song, "Scarborough Fair".

26. This fragrant, creeping, woody herb comes in many variations. It's particularly useful to beekeepers, since bees love it and it produces great-tasting honey.

From Quiz For Herbalists

Answer: Thyme

Thyme is a common cooking herb, and known for its antioxidant properties.

27. For an attractive garnish, grow the curly variety of this herb; for best flavor, grow the flat-leaf Italian variety.

From Quiz Herb Gardens

Answer: Parsley

The curly variety has notably less flavor.

28. Which herb with beautiful fragrant flowers is very calming and relaxing, and is often used under pillows or placed inside bed sheets in storage to promote sleep?

From Quiz Garden Herbs

Answer: Lavender

Lavender is technically a shrub but is used in cooking, potpourri and teas. And is a relaxing aromatherapy oil. Lavender originates from Spain, the Canary Islands and North Africa.

29. "Thyme Magic" It is mythologised that thyme enabled people to see which magical creatures?

From Quiz Thyme after Thyme

Answer: Fairies or Faeries

While thyme, in some circles, is considered to be an aphrodisiac, there are also legends that tell of a magic brew, of which thyme is an essential ingredient, that enabled the imbiber to see fairies. Frankly, I reckon you would need to be drinking something a lot harder to start seeing fairies. Ironically, Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist considered the father of ecology, put forth the notion that tea made from thyme was a sure-fire cure for hangovers. The link between thyme and fairies does go deeper. William Shakespeare in his play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" portrays Titania, the Queen of the Faeries, going to "a bank whereon the wild thyme blows". This only added fuel to the English belief that the favourite spot for fairies to play on was a bush of wild thyme.

30. Ouzo, the Greek aperitif, is flavored primarily with what?

From Quiz Practical Practicum of Herbs

Answer: anise

Anyone who has ever enjoyed a shot of Ouzo can tell you it has a very strong licorice flavor - a sure sign of anise.

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