Spices

             STAR ANISEED                                                   CASSIA SPILT                                                                  Black pepper 

A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark or vegetable substance primarily used for flavoring, coloring or preserving food. At times, a spice is used to hide other flavors.

Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are parts of leafy green plants used for flavoring or as a garnish.

Many spices have antimicrobial properties. This may explain why spices are more commonly used in warmer climates, which have more infectious diseases and why the use of spices is prominent in meat, which is particularly susceptible.

A spice may have other uses, including medical, in religious rituals, cosmetics & perfume production and even as a vegetable. For instance, turmeric roots are consumed as a vegetable and garlic as an antibiotic.