The hotter, the better, when it comes to spices, says Paul W. Sherman, a Cornell neurobiology professor who will speak at the annual herb festival, Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cornell Plantations.

Lecturing at 11 a.m. on "Why Some Like It Hot: The Function of Spices," Sherman will discuss new research showing that spices are more than tasty condiments -- they are powerful microbe killers that have helped cultures avoid food poisoning through the centuries.

Then at 2 p.m., exotic and novel spices will star in Dorry Norris' lecture, "A Taste of Spice." Roasting and hand-grinding connoisseur spices, Norris will fill the air with tantalizing aromas and prepare spicy dishes for tasting.

"Spice Up Your Life" is the theme of this year's herb festival, which includes demonstrations on how to make herbal tinctures, grow garlic, make facial creams, and more. Festival-goers also can taste ginger ice cream, buy herb plants and products or tour the Robison York State Herb Garden, where hundreds of plants are growing in 18 different theme beds. Weaving daisy halos and creating wrist sprays are activities designed especially for children.

Entrance donation is $3, with children admitted free. Free parking is available at the corner of Judd Falls and Tower roads. More information is available by calling Cornell Plantations at (607) 255-2407 or by visiting the Plantations web site http://www.plantations.cornell.edu.