Rue in history is a plant mentioned in the Bible. Luke 11:42 enunciates the importance of this herb in the Palestinian region, as Jesus refers to a tithe on rue. The Talmud describes rue as a kitchen herb that grows in the wild. Cultivation of this herb began later...
Coriander spice Coriandrum sativum (coriander) belongs to the Apiaceae family. The characteristic smell of the green plant is caused by aldehydic compounds (terpenes, linalool, and pinene). The leaves and seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and...
Feature photo: From Floriana Onycha incense is surmised to come from one of the four herbs mentioned in the Old Testament (Exodus 30:34) and is an ingredient of Ketoret. Like many other herbs and spices mentioned during Biblical times, the origin of onycha is shrouded...
Black seeds are a popular spice across the globe whose Biblical origins are unclear. Reviews of papers and ancient literature suggest Bunium bulbocastanum and Nigella sativa. B. bulbocastanum is the botanical name for black cumin. This species is native to northern...
Herbs and spices had religious significance. The Bible describes rubbing Jesus’ body with herbs and spices: “Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was per Jewish burial customs” (John 19:40). Herbs were used in...
