Some plants are endowed with aroma characteristics and this is where the definition aromatic comes from.
Such particularities are due to the presence of volatile compounds known as essential oils. Consequently aromatic herbs have always constituted the most characteristic aspect of the Mediterranean Cuisine and in this area those mainly used in the local gastronomical traditions are Ocimum basilicum (basil), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Salvia officinalis (sage), Allium schoenoprasum (chives), Origanum majorana (oregano), Allium sativum (aglio).