National Herbs and Spices Day - USA

We celebrate flavour each year on June 10 during National Herbs and Spices Day to recognize the diversity and quality offered by using both fresh and dried herbs and spices in your cooking. 

All year long, herbs and spices are essential to cooking. As the summer heats up, developing a knack for cooking with fresh herbs brings brightness and flavour to grilling and the kitchen. Herbs and spice not only add flavour to your meals, they also add colour by bringing a vibrancy that might have otherwise been missed.

Herbs and spices have been used for many hundreds of years. They make our food delicious and also have its specific health benefits. In fact, these 6 spices and herbs will improve your health:

1. Sage improves memory function in the brain.
2. Peppermint reduces nausea.
3. Turmeric is said to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
4. Cinnamon lowers blood sugar levels which can benefit diabetes.
5. Cayenne pepper helps reduce appetites.
6. Rosemary is good for treating allergies.

Herbs and spices add character to certain beverages, too. Mint, sage, chamomile, lavender, and many others add subtle flavour to hot and cold drinks.

Growing your own herbs and spices is a great way to add fresh variety to your food. Herbs raised in your home add an aromatic and natural fragrance to the air as well. Besides, raising your own herbs can be a form of relaxing therapy.

How To Observe Herbs And Spices Day

Plant a herb garden and start using those herbs to create your own supply of herbs and spices. Some great plants to start with include dill, fennel, basil, sage, thyme, and cilantro.

Participate in Herbs and Spices Day by reviewing your stock of dried herbs and spices. Over time, their quality degrades. Be sure to store dried herbs and spices in a cool, dark area and in sealed containers. You can test your herbs and spices for freshness by crushing or rubbing some into the palm of your hand and sniffing. If the fragrance is still pungent, then the quality is still there. However, if you only catch a dull, dusty smell, it's probably time to replace the herb or spice. 

Share your favourite herb or spice on social media using the hashtag #HerbsAndSpicesDay.