| Description: | Herbs and spices have played an essential part in the history of the Mediterranean countries. From their early use in tribal magic and to cure ailments, they came to be studied systematically and dispensed by apothecaries and physicians during the medieval period. Spices arrived from the East brought by the sea merchants, while the Mediterranean's natural environment offered an abundance and variety of herbs. These combined with the spices were used to preserve and enhance the flavor of foods. Herbs provide us with many different flavors: from the delicate sweetness of angelica to the sour spiciness of sorrel. Utilizing them can be simple as chopping up mint for a sauce and a long drink, or complicated as making one of the herbal liqueurs composing of dozens different herbs . However you employ them, herb and spices can impart a tangy flavor to many meals. Today even the most metropolitan Italians keep fresh herbs within easy reach by growing them at home in gardens or in pots on terraces and in window boxes. Students will not only learn how to use herbs and spices to zest up the simplest of dishes, but also as a salt substitute for a healthier diet. Students will also learn to create and take care of their own home aromatic herb garden. During each lesson, besides the main topic, specific herbs and spices used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking will be studied and dishes will be prepared with them for everyone to taste. Students will be also given information on a) nutritional profiles, b) how different herbs and spices affect the body (benefits, adverse effects etc.), and c) how they can be used as cosmetics, natural remedies, etc. |