What Am I?

I found this interesting and I did not get it right on my first guess. Can you do better?

This herb is a perennial shrub about 2 feet high, it is a member of the mint family and has over 500 varieties. Its flowers are fragrant, usually purple or blue, sometimes white, red or pink. They are rich in nectar, and it's honey is in great demand in Europe because of its spicy flavor. Some varieties, have broad leaves; others have foliage variegated with red, yellow, or white.

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For most of its long history it has been a healing herb (supposedly curing everything from snake bites, eye problems, infection, epilepsy, intoxication, memory loss, worms and intestinal problems) or prescribed as an aphrodisiac.The dried leaves are employed by food manufacturers in seasoning meats, baked goods, and beverages. They are also used to flavor vermouth and various bitters. For years it has been used in the preserving of foods. Now it is known that it contains powerful anti-oxidants which slow spoilage. It is also antibacterial in nature, it is effective in treating sore throats and is even effective as an antiperspirant.

What am I? Click on the comments to see the answer.

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Taken from http://foodreference.com/ weekly culinary quiz

Animal Crackers

"Animal crackers in my soup
Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop
Gosh oh gee but I have fun
Swallowing animals one by one"

A great song originally sung by Shirley Temple, and my favorite childhood version by Anne Murray, among others. Animal crackers are actually an English invention from the late 1800's, originally called animals. After coming to the United States, P.T. Barnum used to sell these circus crackers to promote the circus. The string on the box was not originally put on as a handle, but it was to hang the boxes as ornamental presents at Christmas for children.

They are not just a snack. The name has been used as a Broadway play, a comic strip, several films and songs. And there is the age-old philosophical debate Do vegetarians eat animal crackers?

There have been 54 different animals throughout the years in that colorful circus box. Currently there are 18 types of crackers? How many can you name? And in 2002, the one hundredth year of the Barnum's Animal Crackers, a new animal was voted on and added - Bonus points if you can name that critter. (Click on comments to see the answer)

You have permission to play with your food!