India — The Land of Spices
India has been known as the land of spices since ancient times. With its varied climatic conditions and terrain, India has been producing a wide variety of spices that are native to the region. Spices have always been an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture. Though globalization has increased the supply and reach of spices worldwide, India still remains one of the largest producers, consumers and exporters of various spices. History of Spices in India The Indian spice trade with other regions dates back to ancient times when merchants traded spices through established sea and land routes. Indians understood the preservation and medicinal properties of native spices very early on. Spices like turmeric, pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, coriander and cloves were extensively used in Ayurveda for their therapeutic properties. Indian traders established extensive maritime contacts to tap the lucrative spice trade market of Europe and Middle-East. Spice routes connecting ...