The history of spices is a very interesting topic to know about. Humans have been using spices for a very long time, even from prehistoric times. Spices have also dominated the entire world trade for centuries and also it will continue forever as no dinner and lunch would be complete without these spices. Spices can be used for various purposes apart from cooking like medicinal purposes, religious rituals, cosmetics, or for perfume production. India contributes nearly 75% of the global spice production as even in India Bollywood movies are sometimes referred to as “masala movies” and ‘masala’ in English is known as ‘Spice’.
A spice is basically a seed, fruit, bark, root, or other plant substance which is normally used to add flavor or color to food. The first written evidence of spices was found in Mesopotamia as three clay pots were discovered with nearly 30 types of recipes using several spices. Garlic, cumin, and coriander played a major role in these recipes found in Mesopotamia. The Silk Road which was made during the time of the Bronze age brought Asian spices and plants to Europe for the very first time. Also in the 1st century AD, a sea route was discovered in India from where the Romans started to import peppers and very soon the use of pepper spread throughout the empire.
India is often considered home to Spices and herbs because of its favorable climatic conditions. Spices in India have been cultivated for a long time. Spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom have been used by the Indians for thousands of years for both cooking and health purposes. The medical writings of Charaka and Sushruta II are mainly based on spices and herbs which became very popular in recent times. And also spices like cardamom, turmeric, ginger, etc. were used in ancient times for health benefits.
The earliest record of spices can be traced back to the age of Vedas such as Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Yajur Veda, and Samaveda. The Rig Veda contains references to various spices and there is also a reference to Black Pepper in the Yajur Veda. India is, therefore, also known as the “Spice Bowl” of the world since early pre-historic times and so one can hear about many invasions done by Romans, Arabians, and Egyptians to gain control of the Spice and other natural resources of India.
Role of Indian Spices in Indian History
Spices are most commonly regarded as one of the most prominent components of Indian cuisine and without the use of spices the aromatic flavor cannot be availed. Thus, Indian spices and cuisines go hand in hand because traditional food items in India are cooked with diverse types of spices. Turmeric, ginger root, and cardamom are the most common spices that were used in Indian cooking.
⦁Spices used in Ancient Age
Spices have been used even from very ancient times that can be even dated back to 50000 BC when humans were using a special type of aromatic plant that adds flavor to the food that they cook. Primitive men also utilized sweet-smelling spices in order to make their food taste better and also they used these spices whenever they fell ill. However, the spice trade started in the Middle East in around 2000 BC where pepper and cinnamon were exported. By 1000 BC, India, and China also used herbs for medicinal purposes and also used in the medical system of that time. Moreover, the ancient Indian Ramayana also mentioned the use of cloves for various purposes when Ram and Sita were exiled for 14 years in Forest. So, spices played a very important role in ancient times as well.
⦁Spices used in Middle Age
Spices were one of the most luxurious products used in Europe and in the Middle ages where the most common spices used are black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These spices are mainly imported from the plantations of Asia and Africa and so they are very expensive. It has been estimated that around 1,000 tons of pepper and 1,000 tons of other common spices were imported into Western Europe each year during the Late Middle Ages. the trade of spices was very popular during the Renaissance period when various types of species can be seen traded from one country to another.
Importance of spices
Spices form an important part of the Indian subcontinent and also India is known as the spice capital of the world. Spices act as a major ingredient of Indian culture and cuisine. Apart from culinary use, spices also have an important place in the field of medicine.
⦁Spices enhance the taste and flavor of food
Spices can definitely enhance the taste of any food that we prepare for lunch or dinner. Just a pinch of spice can completely transform the flavor and aroma of a dish. Adding any spice to food only increases the flavor and it does not contribute at all to calories, fats, sugar, or salt. So, spices not only enrich the taste of a meal but it is also healthy and beneficial for the body.
⦁Spices provide nutrition
Spices, as derived from plants, have multiple properties which can have a positive impact on human health. There are many spices that contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties which have several health benefits and benefit the body. For example, ginger is beneficial for many health purposes like PCOD, Heart disease, arthritis, etc. because it has anti-inflammatory properties and is also widely used in recipes not only for their taste but also for its health benefits. Another example is that cumin and cinnamon help to a great extent in weight management and digestion.
⦁Spices help in food preservation
Spices helped to a great extent in the preservation of food because in ancient times there was no refrigerator and so adding spices to food helps in preserving them as they have microbial properties. Until the 18th century, spices are regarded as an important part of food which if not added to food does not enrich its flavor. Some of the commonly used spices are black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, ginger, cumin, cloves, and so on.
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