Indian Spices

India is the world's largest spice producer. It is also the largest consumer and exporter of spices. The production of different spices has been growing rapidly over the last few years. Production in 2022-23 stood at 11.14 million tonnes compared to 11.12 million tonnes in 2021-22. During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22. During 2021-22, the single largest spice exported from India was chilli followed by spice oils and oleoresins, mint products, cumin, and turmeric. India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties which are listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The most produced and exported spices are pepper, cardamom, chilli, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils and oleoresins. Out of these spices, chilli, cumin, turmeric, ginger and coriander makeup about 76% of the total production. The largest spices-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

What are Spices?

Spices are aromatic flavourings derived from plant components such as seeds, fruits, bark, and rhizomes. Spices have been highly valued as trade products for thousands of years and have been used to season and preserve food, and as medicines, dyes, and fragrances. The term "spice" originates from the Latin species that implies merchandise or wares. Although spices are sold dried, this does not guarantee they will last permanently; their robust flavours will fade with time, especially if they are exposed to light and air. Spices come in a wide range of forms, including fresh, whole-dried, dried pre-ground, or blended.

A Brief History of Spices

Spices have a long and illustrious history, dating back practically to the dawn of civilization. It's a narrative of new lands being found, empires rising and falling, wars fought and lost, treaties signed and broken, new flavours being sought and provided, and the rise and fall of many religious practises and beliefs. In the ancient and mediaeval periods, spices were among the most valuable commodities.

Around 3500 BC, the ancient Egyptians employed spices in cuisine, cosmetics, and embalming.

Arab merchants dominated the spice trade for around 5000 years until European conquerors discovered a sea route to India and other spice-producing countries in the East.

The Great Age of Exploration and the Discovery of the New World began with the hunt for a cheaper method to purchase spices from the East.

In 1492, Christopher Columbus set off from Europe to search for a sea path to the kingdoms of spices but instead discovered the Americas.

Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, found a sea path around Africa's southern point in 1497, finally reaching Kozhikode on India's southwest coast in 1498. On his voyage, Da Gama brought back a shipment of nutmegs, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns.

Spices were as expensive as gold and jewels in Europe throughout the Middle Ages, and they were the single most significant force driving the global economy. The conquest of India and other Asian regions was fueled by a fierce struggle among European powers for control of the spice trade. As spices became more readily available, their value began to drop. Individuals had discovered a method of transporting spice plants to other regions of the globe, and opulent monopolies began to disintegrate.