The Spice Trade

Over the past couple months - particularly on the Malabari coast in Karnataka and now again in Goa - we've visited several cities that figured prominently in the ancient spice trade. The Malabari region in particular was the epicenter for growing + distribution of what became the most highly-traded of spices in the world (until the discovery of the New World with it's sugar, coffee + chocolate) - black pepper.

We've toured a couple different highland growing areas where it's vines still entwine the trunks of trees set within rolling green hills of tea + cardamom bushes. We've also toured the coastal cities of Cochin + Cannanore where the crumbling ruins of Portuguese forts still stand as sore reminders of the ruthless tyranny with which these explorers subjected the populace as they took control of and gained a monopoly on this highly profitable world trade. You can still wander down lanes lined with crumbling villas + warehouses (including that of the later VOC, Dutch trading conglomerate who followed the Portuguese) in testament to the faded glory of this spice empire.

Historically, because they were so exotic and costly, spices were a thing relegated only to Pharaohs, Sultans and Chinese + Roman Emperors. Even before the time of Christ, their simple rarity commanded a hefty premium. But even for most of history, what gave spices their unique appeal was the mystery from where they came. Tantalisingly, here were fragrances + flavors of whose origins men could only fathom. Ignorance bred superstition and wondrous tales were generated of the perils of the trade and the gallantry necessary to overcome them. Over the period of 300 years (15th - 18th centuries), spices lost their mystique and have now been further reduced to being shrink-wrapped and used for display only on the dusty spice racks of the western world. This travesty is the result of the technological advances of maritime trade, subsequent conquering of the seas and the discovery of those distant lands from which these luxuries came. And even more prominently, the greed that followed it. For this luxury that we now take for granted - millions died, continents were discovered, fortunes lost and incalculable wealth spent on their acquisition. Much of the buried treasure that lies under the seas is from ships lost during the peak of the spice trade on their return voyages.

Did you know that the actual "Spice Islands" were the source of only three spices - nutmeg, mace (from nutmeg) + cloves - but that that was the only place in the world where they grew? Did you know that star anise was recently used to create a anti-flu drug for Bird Flu? Did you know cinnamon can be used as an insect repellent? Did you know that black peppercorns were found in the nostrils of Ramses II, used in his mummification? And that studies have shown it's not a sneeze-producer, and that it's only the effect of breathing any fine powder? Did you know nutmeg is one of the secret ingredients in Coca-Cola? Did you know that turmeric is currently being studied for possible benefits with Alzheimer's disease, cancer + liver disorders?

Maybe this is all uninteresting news to you, but for two people who are ruled by their bellies and palates, it's sure been a fun + tasty discovery for us :)