June 10

National Herbs and Spices Day

Spice up your life with National Herbs and Spices Day! Take a culinary journey around the world and explore new flavors and aromas.

Yearly Date

June 10

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Celebrate National Herbs and Spices Day on June 10th with a delicious dish that showcases the amazing flavors these ingredients can bring! Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to flavor food, treat medical conditions, as well as add color to dishes. Nowadays we use them in almost every type of cuisine - Italian, Asian, Mexican - you name it! Plus they are full of antioxidants which can help promote good health. Let's celebrate this day by creating something special with herbs and spices!

National Herbs and Spices Day Timeline

1500s

Spice Trade Expands

During the Age of Discovery, European navigators explored new routes, expanding the global spice trade and introducing new herbs and spices to different cultures.

1600s

Herbs in Medicine

Herbs were commonly used in medicine, specifically in England where Nicholas Culpeper published 'The English Physician', a comprehensive guide on using herbs for health benefits.

1800s

Herbs and Spices in Cooking

The use of herbs and spices in cooking became more widespread due to the development of regional cuisines and mass production methods.

1950s

Growing at Home

The "Victory Garden" movement during and after World War II encouraged civilians to grow their own herbs and spices at home.

2000s

Focus on Health Benefits

In the 21st century, studies revealed numerous health benefits of herbs and spices, revitalizing their popularity in cookbooks and diets.

2015

National Herbs and Spices Day

The first National Herbs and Spices Day was celebrated, encouraging the exploration and use of these versatile ingredients in everyday cooking.

How to Celebrate National Herbs and Spices Day

1 Grow your own herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are easy to grow, even in small spaces. Plant a few of your favorite herbs and spices in pots on your windowsill, or start a larger garden in your yard. Not only will you celebrate National Herbs and Spices Day, but you'll have fresh ingredients for all of your cooking!

2 Create a themed meal

Plan a meal centered around herbs and spices. Choose one herb or spice as the star ingredient, and build the rest of the dish around it. Experiment with different flavor combinations to create something truly unique.

3 Bake with herbs and spices

Baking is a great way to incorporate herbs and spices into desserts like cookies, muffins, cakes, and breads. Try adding some rosemary to sugar cookies or cardamom to pound cake for an unexpected kick of flavor.

4 Infuse drinks with herbs and spices

Brew up some herbal tea using fresh or dried herbs like mint, chamomile, or lavender. Or make a spiced cocktail featuring cinnamon, cloves, ginger, or nutmeg.

5 Make your own seasoning blends

Create your own custom blend of seasonings to use in cooking. Make several batches with different combinations of herbs and spices such as Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or steak rub.

Why We Love National Herbs and Spices Day

Herbs and spices are flavorful

Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor to any dish without adding calories or fat. From sweet cinnamon to savory garlic, herbs and spices can transform the most basic of ingredients into something truly delicious - so if you're looking for new ways to kick up the flavor in your meals, look no further than herbs and spices!

Herbs and spices are healthy

Not only do herbs and spices enhance the taste of food, but they also have beneficial health effects. Some studies suggest that certain herbs and spices may help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, increase energy levels, lower cholesterol, and even ward off disease!

Herbs and spices can make a meal complete

Whether it's sprinkling some dried oregano on top of a pizza or adding fresh parsley to pasta dishes, herbs and spices can take any meal from blah to wow in just a few sprinkles. Not only do they add incredible flavor, but they also bring an amazing aroma that will immediately make you salivate!