Course handoutCulture and storytelling
Herbs, spices and olive oil
The history and cultural stories of herbs, spices and olive oil.
Theory and discussion only · Community education, not accredited training
Key takeaways
- 01For thousands of years, spice routes linked Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
- 02Herbs, spices and olive oil hold a special place in many cuisines and family traditions.
- 03One ingredient can carry memories of a place, a season or a person.
In this course
01Spice routes through history
- Routes linked Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe
- Traders travelled by camel caravan and by ship
- Ideas and languages travelled with the goods
- The trade also brought conflict and control of land
02Herbs and spices in world cuisines
- Herbs usually come from leaves
- Spices come from seeds, bark, roots, buds or berries
- Many families have their own spice blends
- The same spice can be used in very different ways
03Olive oil across cultures
- Olive trees have long been grown around the Mediterranean
- Olive oil was used for cooking, light and ceremony
- Olive trees now grow in many countries, including Australia
- For some families, harvest time is a tradition
04The story behind an ingredient
- Where does it grow?
- How did it travel to you?
- Who showed you how to use it?
- What memories does it bring back?
05Words for aroma, flavour and colour
- Aroma: earthy, fresh, smoky, floral, woody
- Flavour: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, savoury
- Colour: golden, deep red, bright green
- Share words from your own language too
Talk it over
- Which herbs or spices do you use most, and where did you learn to use them?
- Besides spices, what else travelled along the old trade routes?
- Does olive oil, or another oil, have a special place in your family’s cooking?
- Is there a word in your language for a smell or flavour that English doesn’t have?
Reflect
Choose one ingredient that matters to you. Write where it comes from and what it reminds you of.
Write five words, in any language, that describe the smell, taste or colour of that ingredient.