A comprehensive illustrated guide to herbs, spices and their mixtures. It details not only their culinary uses, but also in the case of herbs, their cultivation. Where applicable, the different forms of a herb or spice are photographed and explained. The text also explains the history, appearance, storing conditions and traditional uses of each herb and spice. The handbook is divided into three sections: a herb directory, spice directory, and recipes. The directory entries are listed according to the alphabetical order of their Latin names. Each herb or spice has a cross-reference column showing the recipes in which it is used. The recipe section is similarly cross-referenced, detailing the herbs and spices used in each recipe.