Students guessed oregano, basil and parsley. Reis explained that herbs are the leaf of a plant. Spices come from the seed, or bark, as is the case with cinnamon. The chef credits the Portuguese with bringing to this part of the world the spices and herbs we use today, since they were the first Europeans to sail to India in the 15th century. Fresh herbs should be added to a dish at the end of cooking, dry herbs at the beginning, Reis told the students.
Herbs are an excellent way to cut down on salt in cooking, because they bring out flavors of food.
Sixth-grader Jill Murray, who brought the poppyseed muffins, learned that herbs give food fragrance, too. Herbs keep things fresh, like fish, says sixth-grader Amanda Page. Meanwhile sift all dry ingredients, and add to the egg mixture and mix slowly. Add zucchini and mix. Grease loaf pans and fill with batter half way and bake at 325 degrees for about 55 minutes.