Root Plants

• Ginger is one edible root used as a spice.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  The roots of many edible plants are edible as well. Many spices such as ginger, licorice, valerian and even beets are derived from roots and used as seasonings for dishes. Many of these have health benefits as well. Valerian is used as a natural sleep aid, as well as a spice for many Mexican dishes. Licorice is used to flavor drinks, liquors and candies. Ginger is used to flavor and color drinks and many food dishes, and medicinally for nausea. Known for its exotic flavor and ease of growth, it has become the most popular root spice available. The roots used for many spices are not actually roots, but tubers, which have a barklike coating and look like bulbs you might buy to grow flowers. The outer coating is usually removed. In some instances, the skin of edible roots may be toxic, so take care to learn your roots before you eat them.
  
  

Leaves Used as Spices

• Oregano is grown in home gardens for its spicy flavor.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Many people use the leaves of certain plants as spices, such as basil, marjoram and oregano. Bay leaves come from the bay laurel tree, which flourishes in warm climates. The leaves can be dried for longer storage or used fresh for a more flavorful taste. Parsley is grown as both a spice and a garnish for many dishes, as are other leafy spices and edibles, such as kale and parsnip tops. The flowers of the marjoram plant are used as a lighter flavored version of the herb made from its leaves, making it a double-use plant. Many gardeners will grow herbs to use in their kitchens, some even growing the herbs in indoor gardens.
  
  

Seed Spices and Condiments

• Mustard is said to be the third most popular condiment after salt and pepper.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Most plants produce seeds as a way to regenerate the plant. Those seeds are sometimes taken for use as spices or to add to condiments. Mustard comes from the seeds of the mustard plant and is used to make prepared mustard. Other examples of seed spices are celery seed, caraway, pepper, nutmeg and mace. Vanilla comes from a pod that grows on the vanilla orchid vine. Seeds are harvested at different stages of maturity, for different degrees of flavor. They are then dried and either left whole, such as peppercorns, or ground into powders for longer storage, such as nutmeg.
  
  

Barks Ground for Spices

• Cinnamon is havested from the dried inner bark from new growth on cinnamon treesJupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Some barks of trees are used as spices or added to condiments. Cinnamon is one example of this. The inner bark of the cinnamon tree is dried and then ground into the fragrant spice. The bark of willow trees is steeped into teas for medicinal uses; some people enjoy the flavor of the drink, as well. While most commercially made root beer is made from extracts and seasonings, the original root beer was made from sassafras and birch bark.