An herb is a leafy plant used fresh or dried to flavor dishes. It is not a spice. A spice comes from the seed, bark, root, or fruit of a plant. An herb comes from the leaf. Basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, rosemary, thyme, and oregano are herbs. They are used in many cuisines. They are added during cooking or at the end. They add flavor, aroma, and color. The herb is the cook's green. The herb is the cook's fresh. The herb is the cook's finish. The herb is the same.

Herbs come in several types. Soft herbs, like basil, parsley, and cilantro, have tender leaves. They are used fresh. They are added at the end of cooking. They are delicate. They bruise easily. Hard herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and sage, have woody stems and tough leaves. They are used dried or fresh. They are added during cooking. They withstand heat. They release flavor slowly. The choice depends on the dish. The soft herb is the garnish. The hard herb is the base. The herb is the flavor. The herb is the same.

Herbs are used in many ways. They are chopped and sprinkled. They are torn and tossed. They are infused in oil. They are steeped in tea. They are blended in pesto. They are dried and ground. They are grown in gardens. They are sold in bunches. They are stored in the refrigerator. They are frozen in ice cubes. They are the cook's palette. They are the cook's tool. They are the cook's friend. The herb is the leaf. The leaf is the herb. The herb is the same. The same is the kitchen. The kitchen is the herb. The herb is the cook. The cook is the herb. The herb is the same. The same is the meal. The meal is the herb. The herb is the same.