An Investigation of the Consumption Culture and the Role of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Gastronomy: The Case of Araç District, Kastamonu

Abstract

This study is a qualitative research study examining the use of medicinal and aromatic plants in
Araç district of Kastamonu Province and the surrounding villages. The research data were
collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 female participants who had
knowledge and experience regarding medicinal and aromatic plants between May 25 and 30,
2026. The participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The
findings revealed that traditional knowledge regarding the use of medicinal and aromatic plants is transmitted from generation to generation, particularly through women. St. John’s wort is used to prepare oil, while mint, thyme, chamomile, and linden are mostly consumed as herbal teas.
Chicory is used in local dishes, grape leaves are used in meals, and rosehip and blackberry are
used to prepare jams and herbal teas. In addition, according to the participants’ statements, these plants are used for various traditional health-related purposes. The findings indicate that
medicinal and aromatic plants play an important role in sustaining traditional knowledge,
dietary practices, and local gastronomic culture.