How do spices get their flavor?

Plants produce chemicals for different purposes. In my recent book, “Lessons from Plants,” I explore how plants use some of those compounds to communicate with one another.
Many of the chemicals that make up spice flavors can play important roles, such as protecting the plant against pests or pathogens. Known as secondary compounds, they can also help plants adapt to changes in the world around them. And, as spices, they communicate powerfully to our taste buds.