Split Spices, Split Herbs Trivia Quiz

Answer: Garlic

Garlic is used in the cuisine of many countries. In addition to reportedly warding off the occasional vampire, it contains a substance called allicin which has antioxidant properties.

Answer: Rosemary

Rosemary has a number of uses and is a popular addition to herb gardens. It can be grown in a variety of soils and can even withstand some freezing temperatures. Its flowers are a pretty shade of medium blue and enhance the appearance of any garden.

Answer: Curry

Curry powders are mixtures of up to thirty spices! Popular in Asian and Middle Eastern cooking, curry powders were developed in the 19th century by the British, who brought the components home from India and other Commonwealth countries.

Answer: Tarragon

Tarragon has a distinctive aroma and flavor. One of its primary components, estragole, has been identified by European scientists to be a carcinogen, although it isn't felt that it is harmful at the levels found in tarragon.

Answer: Cilantro

Cilantro, or coriander, is easy to grow and blends well in a multitude of dishes. It's used in relishes and garnishes, in meat dishes and with fish, and in soups. Originally found in Europe, North Africa and western Asia, it is today grown and widely used in the Americas as well.

Answer: Parsley

Parsley is in wide use across several continents. It has an ingredient that is thought to protect against some cancers (maybe we should mix it with tarragon!)
In large quantities, it reportedly can stimulate uterine contractions.

Answer: Fennel

Fennel is native to the Mediterranean, but is now found in many areas of the world. It's an ingredient of absinthe. In some countries, it has become established and is considered an invasive species.

Answer: Basil

Basil is easy to grow in home herb gardens. It adds a nice flavor to spaghetti sauces!

Answer: Hyssop

Hyssop is used primarily as a medicinal preparation, promoting expectoration (it help you cough up phlegm, ick) and is also used as an antiseptic. It can be used to attract bees, resulting in a pleasing version of honey. Hyssop has been used for multiple medicinal preparations for centuries.

Answer: Catnip

Catnip is both a stimulant for our feline friends and an herb that we humans use to make tea. In cats, it affects their olfactory sense, stimulating them to the crazed antics we all love to watch. In humans, catnip tea is used to reduce stress and promote sleep - kind of the opposite of the effect the herb has on cats.

Answer: Woodruff

Woodruff imparts a slightly fruity ambiance to wines, mostly German wines. Once you've tasted it, you will always recognize it. In addition to this usage, woodruff is used to flavor food like sausages, tea, ice cream and jelly. It is also sometimes mixed with hard liquors as a flavoring.

Answer: Nutmeg

Nutmeg and mace both come from a species of evergreen tree in Indonesia. Nutmeg is used widely across the globe, flavoring items as disparate as haggis and Barbados rum punch.

Answer: Anise

Anise is used to flavor many foods, especially candies, but also soups and meats. It's also used as a flavoring in liquors. Because of its scent, it is used in soaps, perfumes and sachets.

Answer: Chamomile

Chamomile is used more in medicinal preparations than in foods, with the notable exception of chamomile tea. It is used to soothe upset stomachs, promote sleep, thin the blood, as an anti-inflammatory, and possibly anti-carcinogenic. It also has the effect of lightening blonde hair! Chamomile tea is not recommended for pregnant women because it is thought to induce labor and could cause a miscarriage.

Answer: Turmeric

Turmeric not only gives curry its yellow color, it is also used to color mustard. The spice has anti-inflammatory properties and some research has found that it may be helpful in treating conditions like Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Turmeric has antioxidant properties, too, and may be effective in relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.