A wild tree — Go outside and find that sassafras trees grow wild in East Asia and the United States. The genus contains three species, and folks harvest its root to flavor and thicken foods. The three main species of sassafras contain safrole, its active compound. One cup of tea contains high levels of…

To our loyal bees — We love our pollinators, and they love sugary snacks like anise hyssop. Recall where planting one acre feeds 100 honeybee hives. What better libation than a little sugary sweetness! An apéritif intends to stimulate the stomach in preparation for a meal — a liquid appetizer. While Native Americans use this…

A token of friendship — The Chinese Money Plant originated in South China in the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces. This part of the southern Himalayas provides its ideal condition between 1500–3000 feet. It likes to grow in rocks and wet places. Scottish botanist George Forrest first propagated this in the early 20th century, and it…

From France to Bulgaria — Summer savory flowers in the northern hemisphere from June through September. Many cuisines incorporate this herb as a replacement for black pepper. Find this popular variety in many herb blends. German folks replaced black pepper with savory during times of shortage. Bulgarian tables have salt, sweet pepper, and savory as…

Curry buns, anyone? — One finds turmeric in India and tropical Asia, where over 40 varieties exist on the subcontinent. This tuber contains a compound called curcumin — which gives its yellow color. This root provides the base for curries and finds use in Ayurveda, where it’s called haridra. Cuisines across Asia and the…

A spritely groundcover — English Ivy comes from Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. This woody vine makes a name for itself by spreading out among land and up tree canopies. Because of its aggressive nature, it overtakes native varieties quite. Gardeners treasure this species but keep it contained. Dionysus, the god of wine…

With Beans or Fowl — Humans began using savory in Ancient Rome and earlier. Winter savory grows perennially, but summer savory produces seed annually. Find evidence of its use from southern Europe to northern Africa. Savory’s genus derives from Satyr, a masculine Greek nature spirit. The Persian spice Za’atar shares this linguistic origin. Stories changed…