A spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, berry, budor other vegetable substance primarily used for flavoring, coloring orpreserving food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are parts of leafygreen plants used for flavoring or as a garnish. Many spices have antimicrobialproperties. Spices produce a vast and diverse assortment of organic compounds,the great majority of which do not appear to participate directly in growth anddevelopment.
Condiments are added to a dish to add orcomplement its flavour. They are often prepared mixes (like mustard or soysauce), although the broad definition can include spices (e.g. pepper). Manycondiments are available packaged in single-serving packets, like mustard orketchup, particularly when supplied with take-out or fast-food meals. They areusually applied by the diner, but are sometimes added prior to serving; forexample, in a sandwich made with ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise. Somecondiments are used during cooking to add flavor or texture to the food;barbecue sauce, compound butter, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and marmite areexamples.