How can you grow and how do you use herbs and spices? This illustrated Gem will introduce you to over 90 herbs and spices, explaining their uses in cooking and medicine, and how to cultivate and store them. Collins Gem Herbs and Spices is the handy-sized guide that will enable you to explore the tastes and uses of over 90 common -- and some not-so-common -- herbs and spices. Arranged in alphabetical order from alecost to yarrow, each herb or spice is illustrated with a colour photograph, making it easy to identify. General information is backed up with Latin name details, the plant's natural habitat and the part of the plant that can be used. Culinary, medicinal or other uses are then outlined, as well as clear instructions on cultivation. There is also an easy-to-use guide to creating and looking after your own complete herb garden, along with suggestions for the herbs that are suitable for cultivation in particular garden environments, e.g. rockeries, borders. Other themed lists cover herbs and spices that are aromatic, those that can be grown in containers and those that have insect-repelling qualities. Information on drying and freezing herbs, and recipes for herb tinctures, round out this essential pocket-sized guide.