- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- Food
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 10
- Holiday emoji:
- 🌿🌶️
National Herbs and Spices Day celebrates the incredible diversity and impact of these essential ingredients every June 10. From ancient remedies to modern cuisine, herbs and spices elevate every dish. Discover new flavors, experiment with recipes, and appreciate their rich history in your kitchen.
Want to sponsor National Herbs and Spices Day? Learn how
History of National Herbs and Spices Day
Though very little is known about how this holiday came into being, National Herbs and Spices Days has been officially observed from the year 2015 onwards. Not only are herbs and spices of utmost importance in the kitchen, many of them have strong medicinal value, too, which is why such a day may have come into being. Before the words ‘national’ and ‘spices’ were added in 2015, the oldest reference to this holiday was ‘Herb Day’ in 1999.
One of the earliest fans of spices and herbs was Emperor Charlemagne (742–814 A.D.). He apparently felt so passionately about them that he put together a list of 74 different herbs and had them planted in his gardens. Don’t just take our word for it though, see what Emperor Charlemagne himself had to say: “Herbs are the friends of physicians and the praise of cooks.” By the Middle Ages, the use of herbs and spices in both cooking and medication became common. Books like “The Forme of Cury” (“The Method of Cooking”) began to emerge, which promoted the use of herbs extensively. Modern-day allopathy also has its roots in the mixing of various herbs and medicinal plants to cure common ailments.
If we even look at pop culture today, some of the most popular music groups’ names have been inspired by herbs and spices — The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Spice Girls, to name a few. Whatever the origin, we’re glad these little guys get the recognition they so richly deserve, as we cannot imagine a life without herbs and spices.
National Herbs and Spices Day timeline
Early humans stumble upon the tasty benefits of combining meat with different leaves and berries.
During King Solomon’s reign, the Queen of Sheba offers him gold, gemstones, and spices as a fitting tribute.
Chinese author Li Shih Chen publishes “Pen Ts’ao Kang Mu,” a Chinese herbal book mentioning over 1,000 medicinal plants.
Thanks to Marco Polo and other explorers, spices, and herbs begin to be traded worldwide as commodities.
Thanks to Columbus and colonialism, European spices and indigenous American spices become popular in North America.
National Herbs and Spices Day FAQs
When is National Herbs and Spices Day?
National Herbs and Spices Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, June 10, inviting everyone to explore the world of flavor. It’s a perfect mid-week opportunity to experiment with new culinary creations.
How many different herbs and spices are there?
Globally, there are hundreds of distinct herbs and spices used in cooking and medicine, with estimates ranging from 100 to over 200 commonly traded varieties. This vast number reflects the incredible botanical diversity and cultural culinary traditions around the world.
What is the global market value of herbs and spices?
The global market for herbs and spices is substantial, valued at approximately $20-25 billion annually, and is projected to continue growing. This robust market reflects their essential role in food, health, and cosmetic industries worldwide.
What is the difference between an herb and a spice?
Generally, herbs come from the leafy green parts of plants, often used fresh or dried, like basil or parsley. Spices, on the other hand, are derived from other parts of the plant, such as seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or flowers, like cinnamon bark or peppercorns.
How to Celebrate National Herbs and Spices Day
Start your own herb garden
You probably guessed this would be top of the list. Not only are homegrown herbs easy to grow (no green thumb necessary), they ensure that your food has the freshest of herbs always. Plus, growing something is always good for the environment, so it’s a win-win.
Get on a health kick
Boost both your knowledge and your health by looking up the numerous health benefits of certain herbs and spices, and then try to incorporate some into your diet. Teas are a beneficial and delicious way to explore different spice and herb combinations.
Explore a new cuisine
We’re sure you have not tried all the food there is, so why not use this holiday as an opportunity to try out a totally new cuisine — complete with all the herbs and spices unique to that cuisine. Whether you decide to go the home-chef route or visit an authentic restaurant, we guarantee your culinary journey will be all the richer because of it.
5 Surprising Old Superstitions About Herbs And Spices
Thyme for protection
Ancient Romans believed that wearing or bathing in thyme would protect them from being poisoned.
Lavender instead of body odor
In Renaissance Europe, people believed that lavender would suffice to keep them smelling nice, instead of bathing.
Rosemary predicts your future
A symbol of marriage and fertility, if a girl put rosemary under her pillow, she would dream of her future husband.
Nutmeg scares away the Black Death
During the Black Death, people believed that nutmeg would grant them immunity to the plague.
Tarragon instead of Tylenol
Due to its numbing properties, people believed that chewing tarragon could cure toothaches.
Why We Love National Herbs and Spices Day
The perfect excuse to get cooking
As if we even need to give you a reason to don that apron and start experimenting! Just a little bit of research can make you want to update your spice rack and play around with different flavors.
A herb or spice for every ailment
Not limited to cooking, herbs and spices have many medicinal qualities that can help treat minor ailments. The best part is that these are all-natural remedies, and contribute largely to the homeopathic industry now.
The variety is mind-boggling
Whoever said ‘variety is the spice of life’ was spot on — the sheer variety of herbs and spices around the world makes us want to celebrate every cuisine and culture, as spices and herbs are a common denominator in food anywhere.
