With everything being organic these days why not herbs and spices? Well, herbs and spices are ideal candidates for organics. Herbs, which may be dried or fresh, come from the leafy part
of a plant. Spices, usually used in dried form, are from seeds, roots, fruit, or bark and most originate in tropical or semi-tropical regions. I
t’s also possible for one plant to contain both herb and spice; the coriander plant’s leaves are the herb most people call “cilantro,” while coriander seeds are a spice in their own right. Thru the years spice usage has increased. In 1995, total consumption of spices in the U.S. was nearly 800 million pounds. By 2000, that figure was over 950 million pounds. In 2005, the latest year which data is available, total spice consumption in America had reached over 1.6 
billion pounds. There are many more different herbs and spices available these days than ten years ago. S
o back to the question of "why Organic"? It turns out that commercially-produced herbs and spices are subject to attacks from a variety of pests, fungi, molds and diseases, just as are other crops. And the plant parts that give so much flavor to our foods are bathed in a “cocktail” of chemicals while they’re grown, an action that can leave pesticide residue on your condiments. So if you use alot of herbs and spices you might want to consider creating your very own herb garden. It could be very rewarding and definitely much healthier. ~ Chef ~
of a plant. Spices, usually used in dried form, are from seeds, roots, fruit, or bark and most originate in tropical or semi-tropical regions. I
t’s also possible for one plant to contain both herb and spice; the coriander plant’s leaves are the herb most people call “cilantro,” while coriander seeds are a spice in their own right. Thru the years spice usage has increased. In 1995, total consumption of spices in the U.S. was nearly 800 million pounds. By 2000, that figure was over 950 million pounds. In 2005, the latest year which data is available, total spice consumption in America had reached over 1.6 
billion pounds. There are many more different herbs and spices available these days than ten years ago. S
o back to the question of "why Organic"? It turns out that commercially-produced herbs and spices are subject to attacks from a variety of pests, fungi, molds and diseases, just as are other crops. And the plant parts that give so much flavor to our foods are bathed in a “cocktail” of chemicals while they’re grown, an action that can leave pesticide residue on your condiments. So if you use alot of herbs and spices you might want to consider creating your very own herb garden. It could be very rewarding and definitely much healthier. ~ Chef ~ 
