🌟 Test Your Culinary Knowledge on Herbs and Spices Trivia

Herbs and Spices Trivia – 50 Fun & Educational Questions for Food Lovers. Herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years to heal, preserve, and, of course, season food. From fragrant basil and fiery chili to ancient saffron and mysterious asafoetida, the world of herbs and spices is aromatic, fascinating, and global.

This fun and educational Herbs and Spices Trivia quiz will test your knowledge on flavour origins, explore the world of Herbs and Spices Trivia with 50 engaging questions and answers. Perfect for foodies, chefs, and quiz enthusiasts alike!

🟢 Easy (1–15)

1. What green herb is traditionally used to make pesto?
2. What spice is often used to add heat to chili?
3. Which spice is known for being sweet and is used in apple pie?
4. What herb is commonly used in pickling and often paired with salmon?
5. What yellow spice gives curry its bright color?
6. Which herb is the main ingredient in traditional tabbouleh?
7. What spice comes from the dried stigma of a flower and is the most expensive by weight?
8. Which minty herb is often added to tea, lamb, or desserts?
9. What herb is typically used in caprese salad?
10. What spicy root is often used in sushi and is green in color?
11. What part of the cinnamon tree is used as the spice?
12. What spice comes from dried chili peppers and is used in paprika?
13. Which herb is considered the symbol of remembrance and used in both cooking and ceremonies?
14. What common household herb is often used to garnish pasta dishes?
15. What is the name of the French blend of herbs including thyme, rosemary, and oregano?

🟡 Medium (16–35)

16. Which spice is known to help reduce inflammation and is bright orange?
17. What is the main flavoring in licorice?
18. What herb is used in béarnaise sauce?
19. Which spice is made from the seed of the nutmeg fruit?
20. What is the botanical name for basil?
21. What Indian spice blend can contain over 10 spices and translates to “hot mixture”?
22. What herb is known for its use in absinthe and herbal liqueurs?
23. What part of the clove plant is used as a spice?
24. Which spice is used in Moroccan ras el hanout?
25. What is the difference between herbs and spices?
26. What is the national herb of Italy?
27. What spice gives mustard its sharp, yellow flavour?
28. What is “garam masala” used for?
29. What spice is derived from a tropical orchid flower?
30. What is another name for coriander leaves?
31. What herb is a key ingredient in chimichurri?
32. What is the active compound in chili peppers?
33. What spice is used in pumpkin spice lattes?
34. Which spice has a name that sounds like a nut but is not one?
35. What is the famous spice route from Asia to Europe called?

🔴 Hard (36–50)

36. What rare spice smells like a combination of chocolate and tobacco and comes from Iran?
37. Which herb is sacred in Hinduism and often grown in temples?
38. What is asafoetida also known as?
39. What is the origin of the spice sumac?
40. Which blue-flowered herb is often used to flavour gin?
41. What is the dried bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree commonly called?
42. What compound gives black pepper its spiciness?
43. Which spice was once so valuable it was used as currency?
44. What is the term for a blend of herbs tied together and used to flavour soups and stews in French cuisine?
45. What spice is derived from the outer covering of nutmeg seeds?
46. Which herb is used in bouquet garni and is also a symbol of friendship?
47. What is the main difference between sweet basil and Thai basil?
48. What country is the world’s largest exporter of vanilla?
49. Which herb contains a compound called thymol, often used in mouthwash?
50. What herb was used by the ancient Greeks to crown their champions?

✅ Answers – Herbs and Spices Trivia

1. Basil
2. Chili powder
3. Cinnamon
4. Dill
5. Turmeric
6. Parsley
7. Saffron
8. Mint
9. Basil
10. Wasabi
11. The bark
12. Ground red peppers
13. Rosemary
14. Parsley
15. Herbes de Provence
16. Turmeric
17. Anise
18. Tarragon
19. Mace
20. Ocimum basilicum
21. Garam masala
22. Wormwood
23. Flower buds
24. Cardamom (among others)
25. Herbs come from leaves; spices from seeds, roots, bark, or fruits
26. Basil
27. Turmeric
28. Seasoning Indian dishes
29. Vanilla
30. Cilantro
31. Parsley
32. Capsaicin
33. Nutmeg
34. Nutmeg
35. The Spice Route (Silk Road also included spices)
36. Black cardamom
37. Holy basil (Tulsi)
38. Hing
39. Middle East (particularly Iran and Lebanon)
40. Juniper
41. Cassia
42. Piperine
43. Saffron
44. Bouquet garni
45. Mace
46. Tarragon
47. Thai basil has a spicier, licorice-like flavor
48. Madagascar
49. Thyme
50. Laurel (bay leaf)

🌿 Herbs and Spices Trivia Summary 🌶️

Congratulations! You’ve just seasoned your brain with the vibrant world of Herbs and Spices Trivia! Whether you nailed every answer or learned something new, this trivia challenge proves that herbs and spices aren't just for cooking—they're full of history, culture, health benefits, and mystery. Keep exploring these fragrant wonders and bring bold flavours to your dishes and conversations alike.

🧠 Ready to Learn More? Check Out These Great Resources:

• Spice Advice – McCormick
• The Herb Society of America
• World Spice Merchants
• American Botanical Council
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Herbs