Herbs and spices are among the easiest items in a kitchen to overlook, whether it’s a jar of smoked paprika pushed to the back of a cabinet or dried thyme sitting untouched for months. Yet the seasonings people keep on hand reveal a great deal about how they cook, and many home cooks are becoming more deliberate about what earns a place on the shelf. National Herbs and Spices Day on June 10 arrives as curiosity, wellness awareness and growing confidence with global flavors encourage people to expand their spice cabinets.

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