What Are The Differences Between Condiments, Herbs, Spices, And Seasonings?
Condiments are widely used in food manufacturing and the culinary industry to add flavor. While condiments include a broad range of food agents used to add flavor, herbs, spices, and seasonings provide their unique food fortification, aromatic flavoring, and preservation functions, respectively.
The adage that the devil is in the detail has never been truer in the culinary arts industry. The line between condiments, spices, herbs, and seasonings ever gets thinner, especially for those who aren’t experts in food processing and preparations. However, a closer look reveals a whole world of difference between these food substances.
Condiments
Condiments are food substances used purely to add flavor to food. So substances such as salt and paper make a list here. Condiments are drawn from a wide range of sources. Some condiments are derived from animal products such as eggs, while others are drawn from plants and mineral elements. Condiments may be used independently or in combination to achieve the intended taste, flavor, and food value. Condiments and such as mayonnaise are used at the table, although some may be added in the preparation process.
Herbs
On their part, herbs are, as the name suggests, drawn from plant sources. Leaves, barks, and roots of plants are the main parts that provide herbs for the culinary and food processing industry. They are considered to be of both nutritional and medicinal value. Herbs are the longest used food fortification substances in human history. Different cultures across the world have their unique cocktail of herbs used as both food and food additives. Herbs may also be drawn from flowers and stems of plants. They are the main ingredients used for flavoring and as garnish.
Spices
Spices are mainly drawn from seeds of plants, barks, roots, and combinations of all these. They are unique because of their aromatic quality. Therefore, apart from flavoring and coloring, spices are used as a rich source of aroma for a wide range of foods. Many spices also come with a unique antimicrobial quality. Thus, they help to reduce bacterial activity in food products. Spices are used across the globe but are even more commonly used in warm climates to preserve food. Spices are especially useful in preserving meat, which is more susceptible to bacterial activity within a short time. Did you know that spices are widely used in the performance of religious rituals? The cosmetic industry also uses spices in producing perfume.
Seasonings
Seasonings are substances used to enhance flavor in food without changing its texture or value. Seasonings are used at the tail end of food preparation. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Thus, seasonings incorporate herbs, condiments, spices, and flavors. Their core function in food is to enhance flavor. Seasonings are known to be effective because of their non-reactive quality. They can be used with other food additives without reacting with them.
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