Gentian Root

Gentian is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Gentianaceae family, which contains about 400 species. Gentian is most notably recognized by its trumpet-like, star-shaped flowers with an intense blue hue. Its extremely bitter root is a common beverage flavoring for bitters and aperitifs, as well as popular liqueurs like Aperol. Gentian Root has […]

Linden Flowers

Linden is an herb that grows on various species of Tilia, or lime tree. Linden Flowers are fringed, yellow-white blooms that grow in clusters with the tree’s heart-shaped leaves. They are known for their rich, sweet fragrance, and are often steeped into tea. Historically, Linden Flowers were used to soothe nerves and treat health problems […]

Coriander Seed

Coriander, or Coriandrum sativum, is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family. All parts of the plant are edible, with the leaves commonly referred to as cilantro and the dried seeds as coriander. Coriander seeds are warming and have a slightly nutty, citrus flavor when roasted. Truly an ancient spice, Coriander was first mentioned in […]

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the name for several species of trees and the spice they produce, all from the genus Cinnamomum in the Lauraceae family. Cinnamon trees are characterized by oval-shaped leaves, thick bark and berry fruit. The leaves and the bark are primary parts of the plants used. A sweet, aromatic spice with warming qualities, Cinnamon […]

Cinchona Bark

Cinchona is a genus of flowering plants from the Rubiaceae family. While the foliage is evergreen, its bark is what makes the Cinchona plant significant. Cinchona Bark contains quinine, an effective remedy for treating malaria. It lends its bitter taste to a variety of products, including tonic water, bitter liqueurs, vermouth and other fortified wines. […]

Cardamom

Cardamom is an intensely aromatic spice from the tropical plant Elettaria cardamomum. It is recognized by seed pods with thin, papery shells and small black seeds inside. The seeds are considered the spice, which is used for many culinary purposes. Cardamom production began in ancient times; the Babylonians and Assyrians valued its health benefits, as […]

Cloves

Cloves are the flower buds of a Myrtaceae family evergreen tree, Syzygium aromaticum, with large leaves and crimson flowers that grow in grouped clusters. The entire clove tree is highly aromatic, hence its Latin name aromaticum, with the dried flower buds being used as a culinary spice for thousands of years. Clove is considered a […]

Lavender

Lavender is the common name for Lavandula, a genus of 47 flowering plants in the mint family Lamiaceae. Lavender is an aromatic perennial evergreen shrub with purple flowers atop stems that rise above the foliage. Use of this sweetly fragrant flower dates back thousands of years; the Egyptians used it during the mummification process, while […]

Galangal Root

Galangal, or Alpinia galanga, is a shrub with long, thin leaves, small flowers with a dark-red tip and reddish-brown, woody rhizomes (roots). It is a member of the ginger family, commonly referred to as Thai Ginger, with a pungent, ginger-like flavor but more peppery with a pine aroma. Galangal Root is often used to flavor […]

Elecampane Root

Elecampane, or Inula helenium, is a widespread plant species in the sunflower family Asteraceae. The plant grows up to 6 feet tall, with large leaves and yellow, daisy-like flowers. Elecampane was used for medicinal purposes in Ancient Greek times, while its roots were candied and eaten as confectionery in Medieval Europe. It is said that […]