Spice roots of Kerala – Let’s Explore

Kerala, the southern province of India, owes its rich history and heritage to the exquisite crops and spices native to these blest lands. Spices from Kerala were always in demand across the globe Since 3000 B.C.E., with Babylonians being the pioneers to start the spice trade due to the fondness and demand for its distinct aroma and delightful flavors. When the Arabs, Chinese, and European nations commenced the spice trade following the path of Babylonians, some of the incomparable spices like, ‘Tellicherry Peppercorns’ took the name and fame of our spices internationally. Spices behold a revered place in every civilization due to their therapeutic values and preservative properties. Irrespective of beliefs and cultures, almost every ancient scripture mention ritualistic and culinary usage of spices.

The secret of happiness is variety, but the secret of variety, like the secret of all spices, is knowing when to use it.

Daniel Gilbert

Spices from Kerala still dominate the export proportion from India, with a three fourth of its exceptional quality spices produced in these lands with truly blessed climates. Black pepper is the world’s most traded and widely used spice. Kerala produces two perfectly flavourful peppercorn varieties with invariable international demand, known as ‘Malabar Garbled’ and ‘Tellicherry Extra Bold’. Cinnamon from Kerala also has lots of historical tales related to it, as it was used to produce sacred oils and perfumes and for ritualistic embalming in Egyptian and Arab cultures. Cardamom, also known as ‘The Queen of Spices’ from the Western Ghats of Kerala, is another most sought-after and prized commodity in the western world. Clove from Kerala has its fair share of fame and demand in the international market due to its medicinal value and exotic flavor. In essence, the history of India is deeply influenced and molded by the spice trade of Kerala.