Nicaragua, El Salvador and the USA grow sesame seed.

Grenada grows nutmeg and ginger, and allspice is grown in Jamaica. Guatemala is a leading producer of cardamom. 1 the Western hemisphere, along with a wide variety of herbs and aromatic seeds. However, more and more spices are being planted in ©CAB International 2008. The importance placed on spices is reflected by economic developments that began early in many ancient civilizations, where spices found applications in food preservation, cooking and traditional medicine.Īsia still grows most of the spices that once ruled the trade, including cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, clove and ginger. In short, the trade in spices, usually carried out along the many historic spice routes, has been one of the most important commercial activities throughout ancient and modern times. The same is true today the USA is now the world's major spice buyer, followed by Germany, Japan and France. įrom the beginning of history, the strongest nations have controlled the spice trade. The Americans began their entry into the world spice race in 1672. In 1780, the Dutch and English fought a war over the spice trade and the Dutch lost all spice trading centres. Wars over the Indonesian Spice Islands broke out between the expanding European nations and continued for about 200 years, between the 15th and 17th centuries. Conflict developed over who would dominate this prosperous trade. Though he did not find the Spice Islands, Columbus brought allspice, vanilla and red peppers from the West Indies back to his Spanish supporters.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in America while searching for a direct western route to the Spice Islands. has presented a very interesting history of spices. He returned with pepper, cinnamon, ginger and jewels, and also deals for the Portuguese to continue trade with India. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco de Gama, sailed around Africa's Cape of Good Hope to reach Calicut, India. Venice remained prosperous until about 1498. In the late 13th century, Marco Polo's exploration of Asia established Venice as the most important trade port. Many maritime routes were developed to India and China with an ultimate desire to develop a spice route. In addition, they are reputed to possess several medicinal and pharmacological properties and hence find position in the preparation of a number of medicines. The delightful flavour and pungency of spices make them indispensable in the preparation of palatable dishes. Spices and herbs have played a dramatic role in civilization and in the history of nations.

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