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News|Articles|May 13, 2026

Herbs vs Spices

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Key Takeaways

  • Leaves define herbs, exemplified by mint, basil, and rosemary.
  • Spices encompass roots, flowers, fruits, seeds, and bark, including cinnamon, ginger, and saffron.
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Fun Fact! Herbs come from the leaves of herbaceous plants, while spices come from roots, flowers, fruits, seeds, or bark.

Fun Fact! While herbs and spices are both sourced from plants, herbs (such as mint, basil, and rosemary) come from the leaves of herbaceous plants, while spices (such as cinnamon, ginger, and saffron) come from roots, flowers, fruits, seeds, or bark.

Source: Yard and Garden, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. What is the difference between an herb and a spice? Updated March 19, 2024. Accessed May 13, 2026. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/people/foy-spicer


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