Get a child to name you a herb? Sprigs might fly.
A poll has revealed that two thirds of children, aged four to eight, could not name a single one of our favourite aromatics.
And that perennial problem of too much screen time and not enough outdoor play is to blame.
But are adults any better? Do you know your basil from your bay, your coriander from chives?
Take our quiz and let’s see if it’s just the kids who are needing to turn over a new leaf.
1. Also the name of a Fawlty Towers character. Has its origins in the word basileus which means “king” in Greek.
2. This one is referenced in the Bible, and is best served in spicy dishes.
3. Stuffing in your turkey would not be the same without it. Native Americans used these leaves to treat sores.
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4. Parsley, sage, rosemary and this are all in perfect harmony. Also used in the mummification process in ancient Egypt.
5. Ewe will love this added to a lamb joint. Its Latin botanical name translates as “sea dew”.
6. Popular in egg sandwiches, it is believed to have been a staple food for Roman soldiers.
7. Often used in Thai cooking, it is handy to repel mosquitos and attract honey bees.
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8. Good with fish dishes, it was traditionally used to soothe crying babies, which is maybe why its name is derived from a word meaning “to lull”.
9. Used in French sauces such as Bearnaise. The Arabs named this turkhum, meaning dragon, possibly because the taste is very fiery.
10. Comes with either a curly or flat leaf. In the Tudor times it was believed to be a miracle cure for baldness.
11. Throw a couple of these leaves into a stew and you will be flavour of the month. The smell can repel insects, including moths.
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12. It is often associated with Italian cooking, but its name derives from Greek, meaning “delight of the mountains”.
13. Has pretty purple flowers in spring and is related to leeks. Was used by fortune tellers in ancient times.
14. Popular flavour for tea, and chewing gum, it was also traditionally used as a medicine to ease stomach and chest pains.
15. Tastes of celery and was used in an alcoholic cordial, which was originally marketed as a medicine.
Answers:
1. Basil 2. Coriander 3. Sage 4. Thyme 5. Rosemary 6. Watercress 7. Lemongrass 8. Dill 9. Tarragon
10. Parsley 11. Bay leaves 12. Oregano 13. Chives 14. Mint 15. Lovage
