I tripped over this obscure-sounding topic while researching something completely different. Pairing fruits with herbs is not an everyday concern… But this particular object of cogitation becomes more entrancing the more you think about it.
Some fruits of Google AI’s labours…
This post also turned into my first official experiment with Artificial Intelligence! Let me take a moment to explain…
No simple answers
I innocently Googled, ‘Which herbs go with which fruits?” And a whole cascade of returns came back in the time it takes to go into shock. I didn’t ask Google’s new AI assistant to help with the query. But I’m assuming it was smart enough to know that it’s a simple-sounding question with no simple answers.
First, the AI engine gave me an overall answer. And a temptingly quotable one, at that:
“Fresh fruits pair well with a variety of herbs and spices, enhancing their natural flavors. Mint complements melons, citrus fruits, and berries, while basil pairs beautifully with peaches, apricots, and berries. Cinnamon is a classic choice for apples, pears, and bananas. Other popular pairings include cilantro with mangoes and tomatoes, and thyme with peaches and citrus.”
(The AI research entity even provided a suggested subheading! A little creepy. But, as I said, I’m totally new to this stuff. Nevertheless, I used my own… )
Common pairings
- Mint: Melons, citrus (lemons, limes, oranges), pears, kiwi, pineapple, berries, stone fruits.
- Basil: Peaches, apricots, plums, figs, blueberries, strawberries.
- Cilantro: Mangoes, limes, honeydew, cantaloupe, tomatoes, avocados.
- Parsley: Citrus fruits, peas and beans.
- Tarragon: Citrus fruits (especially lemon).
- Oregano: Olives, citrus fruits.
- Thyme: Cherries, citrus fruits, peaches, figs, honeydew.
- Rosemary: Strawberries, cranberries, apples, citrus fruits, olives.
- Lemongrass: Pineapple, lychee, mango.
- Curry Leaves: Tamarind, guords (like zucchini).
Then, in a move that only the AI Gods can explain, the ‘system’ coughed up a list of spices with their fruit complements.
It was as if the super-brain behind the screen was trying to hint at how trivial my query was – by its formidable standards. “I was done with your initial inquiry in, like a couple of nanoseconds. Got bored. Thought you might like the following associated info, too…”
- Cinnamon: Apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, pears, peaches.
- Ginger: Peaches, apples, pears, berries.
- Cardamom: Sweet potatoes, apples, oranges, pears.
- Nutmeg: Apples, pears, berries, peaches.
- Clove: Apples, beets, red cabbage, pumpkin, squashes.
- Caraway: Carrots, cabbage, potatoes, fennel.
- Star Anise: Pears.
Er… Um… Yes… Thanks… In fact, on reflection, I WAS interested in the spices, too, in this context. All part of the bigger picture… But, again, I was a little shocked. It was like the AI system knew I would be interested – even before I did.
If that wasn’t enough, the system then listed a few dozen suggested links to even more details.
My take
I have many questions about how the Google AI system works. One of which is, when I went back a few moments later and duplicated my earlier query – the one that generated the original AI response – I got a substantially different response. Is this a result of the AI learning as it goes?
Another is, will this new ‘feature’ of the Google experience end up making willing (unsuspecting?) plagiarists of the high school and university students of tomorrow?
I guess you just have to get used to it…
~ Maggie J.