In this Versus episode, it’s the battle of herbs and spices. Get your fill of these fascinating aromatic plants that have flavoured our food and changed our history since paleolithic times. Learn why they bother smelling so good—and what you can do to make the most of their flavour—then get ready to cast your vote in the Plant Face-Off. Sean is representing the herbs with bay laurel, a plant not to be confused with the many other bays and laurels in the world—especially not the toxic ones. Learn how it grows, how to preserve the leaves, and why there are so many misconceptions about its safety. Erin follows up with mustard seed and how to grow and prepare it…but first she shakes things up with some tasty knowledge about spices around the world.Who won the Plant Face-Off? Was it Sean with bay leaves or Erin with mustard seed? You decide! Send your vote by email or on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook with the hashtag #PAWFaceOff. Comments? Feedback? Want your garden question to be featured in a future Q&A segment? Email us, reach out over social media, or get Q&A priority by supporting us on Patreon. Instagram: @plantsalwayswinpodcast Facebook: plantsalwayswinpodcast TikTok: @plantsalwayswinpodcast Website: www.plantsalwayswin.com CreditsWebsite Design and Illustration by Sophia AlladinIntro and Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/when-my-ukulele-playsLicense code: GWOIMMBAS15FG6PHCitationsWhat is a spice?Hogeback, J. (n.d.). What’s the difference between an herb and a spice? Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/whats-the-difference-between-an-herb-and-a-spiceEssential Oils/Volatile OilsBiology Online. (2023, September 15). Volatile oil - Definition and Examples - Biology Online Dictionary. Biology Articles, Tutorials & Dictionary Online. https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/volatile-oiliHerb.org’s Herbs of the YearInternational Herb Association. (2023, May 30). Herb of the Year™. https://www.iherb.org/herb-of-the-year/ Bay laurel’s history and useBelsinger, S. (2009, March 18). Bay (Laurus nobilis): From Legend and Lore to Fragrance and Flavor. Fine Gardening. https://www.finegardening.com/article/bay-laurus-nobilis-from-legend-and-lore-to-fragrance-and-flavor?srsltid=AfmBOoonN-BDS8stQ2WPnnKPaq6O6XNdSRjOD1nROnT2zNqDeIo7KlEC The toxicity of laurel hedgesHopes Grove Nurseries. (2024, September 23). Are Laurel hedges poisonous?. https://www.hopesgrovenurseries.co.uk/knowledge-base/are-laurel-hedges-poisonous/#:~:text=You%20are%20here%3A%20Home%20%C2%BB%20Are,cause%20serious%20complications%20if%20ingested Medicinal uses and side effects of bay laurelBAY LEAF: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved December 27, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-685/bay-leaf The biology of white mustard (also known as yellow mustard)Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2022, May 6). The biology of Sinapis alba L. (mustard). inspection.canada.ca. https://inspection.canada.ca/en/plant-varieties/plants-novel-traits/applicants/directive-94-08/biology-documents/sinapis-alba#a24 Growing saffron in OntarioBalzer, D. (2024, November 6). Growing saffron – in a cool Canadian climate! Donna Balzer. https://donnabalzer.com/growing-saffron-in-a-cool-canadian-climate/ Timestamps00:12 Intro00:53 What’s Growing On?01:07 Erin Gets Native Seed Mail02:17 This Episode is Dedicated to Siblings02:58 The Plant Face Off03:08 Herbs and Spices: Definitions04:25 How Bias Affects Research06:00 Sean’s Plant: Bay Laurel08:05 The Laurecea Plant Family08:45 A Laurel by Any Other Name Might be Toxic10:02 Mediterranean Evergreens11:22 Tree Genders13:28 Medicinal Uses of Bay Laurel14:40 Bay Leaves: They’re Sharp17:49 Preserving Bay Leaves19:40 Growing Bay Laurel 20:40 Aromatics to Deter Pests23:50 Erin’s Spice Journey24:59 Preserving Spice Potency26:41 Spice Fun Facts28:56 Erin’s Plant: Mustard 29:12 The Fascinating Brassica Family32:28 Making Your Own Mustard36:26 Mustard Types39:13 Q&A: Low-Fuss, Low-Light Houseplants43:23 Listener Feedback45:41 Contact Us & Outro
