Question for September 14, 2007:
This herb is also known as wild marjoram. It is available in fresh leaves from most grocery stores. It is also found dried in leaf form or ground. Store dry forms in a cool, dry, dark place.
This herb derives its name from two Greek words meaning "the joy of the mountain". It is a hardy member of the mint family that has been used for flavoring fish, meat and sauces since ancient times.
It goes well with vegetables, roast beef, lamb, chicken and pork. Marjoram goes well with all pork and veal and complements stuffing for poultry, dumplings and herb scones or breads.
Generally used to season Mexican, Italian, Greek and Spanish dishes. It also has a warm, aromatic scent and robust taste. It's uses include seasoning soups, stews, meat pies, pasta sauces and shellfish.
Clue: Not sure if it is, but should be the official herb of a certain north western state.
 
Question for September 7, 2007:
 
This herb is a hardy perennial herb, with ribbed stalks similar to celery with hollow stems that divide into branches near the top. It has yellow flowers and it leaves are dark green. Roots have a nutty favor.

It has a strong taste and odor similar to celery and parsley. The leaves can be used fresh in salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, potato dishes, squash, has been used to make tea and wine.
Leafstalks can be eaten fresh or candied and hollow stems can be candied and used as straws in Bloody Marys. Seeds can be used whole or ground in candy, cakes, meats, biscuits, sauces, cheeses, salad dressings, or pickled.
Clue: Would make a great herb for February 14th (in terms of its name).
Answer: Lovage
 
Question for August 17, 2007:
 
This is a delicate herb with subtle taste. It has a slightly anise-like flavor that can be quickly lost in cooking. Garnish salads with it, but serve it at the last moment. This herb is a very popular herb in France.
It is an important ingredient in the traditional French herb blend, Fines Herbes. It is better used as a fresh herb because during a cooking process a lot of its anise - like aroma and parsley taste is lost.
Clue: Also known as gourmet parsley.
 
Question for August 10, 2007:
 
This herb is from a semitropical perennial shrub of the daisy family, native to the mountains of Brazil and Paraguay. This plant packs so much sweetness into its leaves that they can be used in place of sugar.
One dried leaf, ground, is 10 to 15 times sweeter than an equal amount of sugar, and powdered extracts made from the leaves are up to 300 times as sweet, without the calories (make that no calories!). Plus it is a very attractive plant that pots well.
Nonetheless, people can buy this powder and use it as a sugar replacement at home. One fresh leaf is enough to sweeten a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of lemonade. The leaves can be added to barbecue sauce, salad dressings, soups, and stews.
Clue: The name of this herb sounds like the first name of the lead singer of Aerosmith.
Answer: Stevia
 
Congrats to Crystal, Cindy and Eren!!
 
 
 
 
Question for August 3, 2007:
 
The seed is similar to anise seed, but sweeter and milder. It pairs well with fish, but Italians also like to add it to sauces, meats & sausages. If you are familiar with the taste, it is probably from having it in commercially prepared sausages. The leaves and stems can be finely chopped and used in salads and cooked vegetables. Also add to soups and stuffing.
Clue: The name of this herb could be a fun play on words accompanied by the word, cake.
Answer: Fennel
 
 
 
Question for July 27, 2007:
 
Found along the coasts of the world, this herb has been washing ashore more and more often (and in newer places) since patch 1.8 or so. It is usually not far off the coastline, but it is underwater, so expect to get your feet wet if you’re hunting this herb.
 
Clue: If Hillary Clinton was elected president, the first two syllables of this herb is what you would want to do with her.
 
Answer: Stranglekelp
 
Thanks, Donald for a clever question, clue and answer!
 
 
 
 
Questions for July 20, 2007:
 
1. What herb was used for sore throats but the taste was so bitter that it had to
    be reduced and then sugared for a cough drop?
 
Answer: Horehound
 
2. What group of herbs can one use to alleviate headaches?
 
Answer: Mints
 
Congrats to Elizabeth and Donald. You will be on my HERBal Mania team when we all play in person.
 
Have a GREAT WEEKEND, ALL!!
 
 
 
Question for July 12, 2007:
 
The green-gray needles are like leaves and spikes of fragrant purple mauve flowers are known to everyone. Even if you don’t use it in cooking, it makes a nice addition to any herb garden:
 
1. Borage
2. Sage
3. Caraway
4. Lavender
5. Tarragon
 
The correct answer is #4. Lavender
 
Bob and Elizabeth Johnson (Beliza) answered correctly. They won The Cotton Company.