Believe it Or Not - The Spice Trade Started in Prehistoric Times and Created the Global Economy

It is an interesting feature of world cuisine that many of the spices that are synonymous with particular cuisines did not originate in the area and are often not even grown there today.

This is because spices were the first global commodity and continue to be one of the most important and largest markets in the world today.

Spice Trade Started in Prehistoric Times

By the time that man started writing down what he was doing, spices were already an important part of daily life and were being carried around the known world.

Black pepper, "the king of spices," originated in the mountains of Southern Indian and is known to have been as far away as Northern Europe over 2,000 years ago. The money from the pepper trade literally built the ancient cities of Istanbul, Venice and Genoa (and later the New World city of Salam, Massachusetts.)

Lemongrass, so important to Chinese and Japanese dishes, grows in the hot tropics.

Chili peppers, found so often in the dishes of India and Africa were unknown in this part of the world -- completely -- before 1492. They are New World plants that were brought back by the early explorers. Today, India is the world's leading producer of many chilies.

Why Did the Spice Trade Originate in the First Place

Why people would want spice is probably no mystery to most people. Spice makes a large part of our life more enjoyable.

But how the spice trade originated -- and why -- is a bit more involved.

There are notable exceptions, but most spices grow in the tropics. Many of them grow in only one particular place or a certain "band" of climate. So naturally, to get to the tables of Northern Europe and Asia -- or anywhere that they are not native -- would require travel. Any extended travel requires crossing borders. And that would necessitate trade and barter.

It is said that pepper traveling between southern India and the tables of Europe passed through as many as 100 hands -- and the price doubled every time!

So a combination of desires -- for more flavorful food and for riches -- is what led to the spice trade and to spices traveling all around the world.

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Spice and Condiments in Indian Recipes

Indian cooking is more about flavoring. Seasoning and tempering is an essential need in all parts of India. India is known for its versatile variety in cooking and owing to urban residency there is an easy transition of adopting cooking trends. Meals are generally of gourmet nature in any part of India. Generally the culinary trends are related to the local produce. The condiments and spices are internally imported in case the local area does not have the produce.

There are various ways of using the spices. For e.g. in the rice variety like kichdi, pulav or biryani it is a traditional to use whole spices in the pure form. This adds to the flavor and the aroma is felt as the food is being cooked. The advantage of using spice is flavoring and moreover it aids to build the appetite. Desserts are also aided with spices like cinnamon or cardamom that lend a distinct flavor and beneficial for digestion.

Any Indian home has a traditional stocking of the choicest spices and in many kitchens we find masalas or mixtures that are typically related to the type of cooking. It is a common trend to use the garam masala in North Indian style and this is a huge list of spices gently ground to a fine mixture. A pinch of the same is enough to whet the appetite. South Indian sambar is also a variety of spice and asafetida is a normal inclusion.

Herbal remedies are also utilized with standardized spices. It is common to treat the stomach flatulence with a concoction of jeera in boiling water. It is also believed that a mixture of asafetida applied on the stomach relives gas problems. Spices also have the property to fight bacteria and hence the same is used in storing pickles. Apart from the flavor spices also help in preserving the food for a long time.

Roots like Ginger, Garlic and Turmeric are very high in their medicinal properties. Ginger is very good for alleviating sinus troubles and garlic is a good for balancing cholesterol in the body. Turmeric is purely and antiseptic and also known to loosen phlegm in the body during common cold. Clove with its distinct flavoring is an essential part of Indian cooking. The tangy taste of kokum in Indian cooking is very common in India.

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Check out new and interesting Indian recipes and discover India blog

Turmeric Health Benefits, Can a Spice Stop the Aging Process?

Currently, the US National Institutes of Health are conducting studies concerning the health benefits of turmeric for treating cancer, Alzheimer?s disease and liver disorders. When news of these studies was reported, supplement sales increased by 35%. We all want to feel better and reduce are risk of chronic diseases.

Some of the known turmeric health benefits concern its antibacterial activity. Many plant compounds have anti-bacterial activity. Turmeric, and the curcumin that it contains, is just one of the more active varieties.

Some of these plants act as antioxidants, which is why they may be beneficial for preventing or treating cancer. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing them from turning a cell into a cancerous growth.

Many plant extracts have natural anti-inflammatory activity, which is important because chronic inflammation plays a role in cancer development and heart disease, as well as general aging. Some of your favorite food may cause chronic inflammation.

Fighting inflammation and acting as an antioxidant are two of the turmeric health benefits. If this all sounds good, there are other beneficial nutrients and plant extracts that may sound even better.

Green tea extract, for example, has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer, stomach cancer and throat cancer. It is believed to explain the Japanese paradox, lower than expected incidences of heart disease, despite a heavy smoking rate. Thus, it may help to prevent heart disease.

Gingko biloba extracts have been shown in numerous trials to increase the oxygen content of the brain and other bodily tissues. It promotes mental clarity, alertness and concentration, without acting as a stimulant.

You can get the health benefits of turmeric, green tea, gingko biloba and many others, if you choose a supplement that contains a variety of different ingredients, instead of just one. Most naturopaths and other practitioners feel that striving for optimal nutritional intake is one way to live a longer, disease-free life. There are some good supplements on the market that provide the minimum daily requirements of standard vitamins and minerals, as well as many plant extracts, like those mentioned in this article.

You can also get more of the turmeric health benefits by suing it as a spice for cooking. The flavor is similar to ginger. It is available in the fresh and powdered form and is the primary ingredient in curry.

Many people want the health benefits of turmeric, but don?t like the flavor. That?s why the supplement sales have increased recently, but some of the better companies have been providing the turmeric health benefits, along with others, for many years.

Look for a supplement that was developed by a doctor of naturopathic medicine for your specific age group and physical condition. Focus on eating a varied diet and try to eat more fresh, rather than processed foods. If you follow a healthy lifestyle whenever possible, then you are more likely to see the health benefits of turmeric in your own life.

Valerie Rosenbaum has spent several years researching anti aging vitamin supplements and natural skincare products. As a result of that effort she has found what she believes to be the best anti aging supplement available on the market today. Learn about what she discovered at her website NaturalBalanceSupplements.com

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Each piece is handcrafted using intricately hand carved wooden blocks and is an original work of art distinguished by the work of the artisan, the particular lot of dye, and even varying weather conditions. Tonal variations are inherent to the block printing process and enhance the individuality, character and uniqueness of each creation.

About this design: Spice Route: Spice route is evocative of camel trails in the desert, of the clamor of spice markets, exotic souks where spices are displayed in colorful mounds and of the opulent scent of incense hanging in the warm evening air. The romanticism of these images is infused into the pungent drama of the Spice Route pattern which consists of a delicate floral filigree of cinnamon, turmeric and turquoise contained within bold, boroque, lozenge like motifs. The lozenge motifs are vertically patterned on a deep red paprika ground. Use Spice Routes vibrant palette and exotic patterning to infuse warmth and global style to your decor.

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Featuring authentic recipes and introducing the use of fundamental spices, this recipe collection guides cooks of all levels of expertise in the preparation of healthy, delicious Indian meals. The recipes selected use no more than six spices to create tasty, satisfying, and authentic dishes and introduce a simpler way to prepare Indian food. Each chapter focuses on a different cooking technique, offering insight into foods that at times can seem daunting for the novice cook. This recipe collection has been tasted and tested through more than 20 years of the author's teaching experience and Indian cooking expertise.

The Spice Of India: Traditional Indian recipes

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From Curries to Kebabs: Recipes from the Indian Spice Trail

Indian cookery is among the world’s most distinctive and enticing cuisines, one whose influence can be discerned in culinary traditions around the globe. In this groundbreaking book, bestselling author Madhur Jaffrey presents more than 100 of the best curries, many recorded for the very first time, plus all the savory accompaniments to serve with them.

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About this design: Spice Route: Spice route is evocative of camel trails in the desert, of the clamor of spice markets, exotic souks where spices are displayed in colorful mounds and of the opulent scent of incense hanging in the warm evening air. The romanticism of these images is infused into the pungent drama of the Spice Route pattern which consists of a delicate floral filigree of cinnamon, turmeric and turquoise contained within bold, boroque, lozenge like motifs. The lozenge motifs are vertically patterned on a deep red paprika ground. Use Spice Routes vibrant palette and exotic patterning to infuse warmth and global style to your decor.
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A sweet & spicy blend with Tulsi ginger & licorice root.Stress RelievingEnergizingAbundant in antioxidantsPowerful adaptogen Caffeine-FreeLicorice known as the great harmonizer in Chinese medicine brings its soothing sweet character to Indias legendary sacred herb Tulsi producing a warming tea with

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The duvet cover comes in 3 sizes (twin, queen, king) and is printed on preshrunk, superior grade, soft cotton and is exquisitely finished with neatly interlocked seams and an eight buttoned - hidden closure fastened with coconut shell buttons.

Each piece is handcrafted using intricately hand carved wooden blocks and is an original work of art distinguished by the work of the artisan, the particular lot of dye, and even varying weather conditions. Tonal variations are inherent to the block printing process and enhance the individuality, character and uniqueness of each creation.

About this design: Spice Route: Spice route is evocative of camel trails in the desert, of the clamor of spice markets, exotic souks where spices are displayed in colorful mounds and of the opulent scent of incense hanging in the warm evening air. The romanticism of these images is infused into the pungent drama of the Spice Route pattern which consists of a delicate floral filigree of cinnamon, turmeric and turquoise contained within bold, boroque, lozenge like motifs. The lozenge motifs are vertically patterned on a deep red paprika ground. Use Spice Routes vibrant palette and exotic patterning to infuse warmth and global style to your decor.

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Spice Route ~ Red Orange Moroccan Standard Pillow Sham Flanged 25x31

Rest your head upon our pillow shams and let sweet slumber gently erase your worldly cares away. Accessorize lavishly and complete the look of your bedding ensemble by picking shams that either match or complement your choice of duvet cover or bedspread.

Each pillow cover is sized to fit standard pillows that are 21 inches long and 27 inches wide. The outer dimension including a 2 inch flange is 25x31 inches. Each pillow sham is printed on preshrunk, superior grade, soft cotton and is exquisitely finished with neatly interlocked seams and a generous, immaculately tailored flap closure at the back (inserts not included).

Each piece is handcrafted using intricately hand carved wooden blocks and is an original work of art distinguished by the work of the artisan, the particular lot of dye, and even varying weather conditions. Tonal variations are inherent to the block printing process and enhance the individuality, character and uniqueness of each creation.

About this design: Spice Route: Spice route is evocative of camel trails in the desert, of the clamor of spice markets, exotic souks where spices are displayed in colorful mounds and of the opulent scent of incense hanging in the warm evening air. The romanticism of these images is infused into the pungent drama of the Spice Route pattern which consists of a delicate floral filigree of cinnamon, turmeric and turquoise contained within bold, boroque, lozenge like motifs. The lozenge motifs are vertically patterned on a deep red paprika ground. Use Spice Routes vibrant palette and exotic patterning to infuse warmth and global style to your decor.
Price: $24.99

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Bombay Spice - Incense From India - 13 Gram Package

Envelope yourself in the folds of our unique decorative duvet comforter cover and drift off to exotic lands. Ensconced within the folds of this buttery soft cotton duvet your sleep will be sweet and deep, whether you choose to spend your nights cocooned in warm cozy slumber or you choose to indulge in a restful afternoon siesta.

The duvet cover comes in 3 sizes (twin, queen, king) and is printed on preshrunk, superior grade, soft cotton and is exquisitely finished with neatly interlocked seams and an eight buttoned - hidden closure fastened with coconut shell buttons.

Each piece is handcrafted using intricately hand carved wooden blocks and is an original work of art distinguished by the work of the artisan, the particular lot of dye, and even varying weather conditions. Tonal variations are inherent to the block printing process and enhance the individuality, character and uniqueness of each creation.

About this design: Spice Route: Spice route is evocative of camel trails in the desert, of the clamor of spice markets, exotic souks where spices are displayed in colorful mounds and of the opulent scent of incense hanging in the warm evening air. The romanticism of these images is infused into the pungent drama of the Spice Route pattern which consists of a delicate floral filigree of cinnamon, turmeric and turquoise contained within bold, boroque, lozenge like motifs. The lozenge motifs are vertically patterned on a deep red paprika ground. Use Spice Routes vibrant palette and exotic patterning to infuse warmth and global style to your decor.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

The Spice Of India: Traditional Indian recipes

Use our colorful cotton tablecloths to set the mood you want to create, regardless of the occasion. So whether you are looking for colorful picnic table cloths, or something cheery for your country kitchen or even a decorative atmopheric setting for an elegant formal dinner party; this luxury cotton tablecloth is sure to add vibrant color and drama to the banquet.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon