History of the Kerala Spices
You will not be able to believe it that Kerala was a major spice exporter right from around 3000 BC !! It’s fame as a center of exotic spices travelled far and wide in the world. Soon, the Babilonians and Egyptians were importing spices from Kerala. Later, Arabs also started trading spices with Kerala. Actually, the spices of Kerala were so famous that in the old Sumerian records, Kerala is fondly referred to as “The Garden of Spice” or “The Spice Garden of India”. As the BC era came to closure, the fame of Kerala spices had reached to the Greeks and Romans. And they also came forth to do spice trading with Kerala, specially black pepper.
Later on, when Vaso da Gama discovered a direct route between Europe and India, then the Portuguese and Dutch started using this route to do frequent trading in spices of Kerala. Some even settled in Kerala, marrying the locals and thus giving birth to new hybrid cultures. Interesting, huh! The spices can add as much flavor to life as they do to the food!!
The spice gardens of Kerala
The Spice Garden Kerala tour that we took
The garden store
Famous Spices of Kerala
Pepper
Pepper is known as the king of the spices. And Kerala is world famous as one of the leading suppliers of pepper across the world. From Kerala, pepper first traveled to Arab countries. And from there, it reached Europe. Since then the Kerala pepper has been making non stop rounds of the world from Kerala 🙂
Cardamom
While pepper is called the ‘king of spices’, cardamom is referred to as ‘the queen of spices’. It is a spice known to be as old as the human civilization itself. Kerala boasts to grow the best known variety of cardamom in India. And this is also exported to several parts of the world, with Europe being a major importer.
Cinnamon
A spice which originates from Sri Lanka, and is grown in a few parts of Kerala, Cinnamon boasts of high antioxidant properties. Kerala is also one of the major consumers of cinnamon, with most of it’s recipes including this spice. Cinnamon doesn’t have a strong flavor like most other spices, and is considered relatively mild.
Ginger
Ginger is a spice extensively used in Indian curries. It has many medicinal values. Again, ginger is grown extensively in Kerala and is also used heavily in the cuisines of Kerala. We also use ginger in our cuisines. Not only that, we do use it’s medicinal properties. For instance, when we get cold, we use ginger extract in hot water with honey for instant relief.
Turmeric
Yet another important spice used in Indian curries. Actually, turmeric is believed to have antiseptic properties. It is believed to be a cleanser of human body. It is highly used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines. We , in India, also use turmeric for home remedies of sickness. For instance, when you get a sore throat or a body pain, add a pinch of turmeric to a glass of warm water or milk and drink it at night before bed. It provides immediate relief.
Conclusion
So you see, Kerala has a life long connection with spices. It’s really very interesting to do a spice garden Kerala tour!! And to learn about the different spices, their role in human life and their benefits. So, when you happen to visit Kerala, don’t forget the spice garden. And do tell us how was your experience there…we will be awaiting to hear your story. You can also visit Periyar Spice Garden or Spice Garden Alleppey during your Kerala trip. These are also famous , and some of the Periyar Spice Garden also provide online shopping options.
Related resources from our past trips to Kerala
A scenic drive from Cochin to Munnar
6 must see places in Munnar, Kerala
Our Bangalore to Kerala road trip itinerary
A complete guide exploring the mesmerising Wayanad district of Kerala
One day exploring Varkala – the Amalfi of India
Spending 4 days in Munnar – the most beautiful hills of India
Listening to the sound of music at the majestic Athirapally Waterfalls
PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.
I had no idea that Kerala was known for it’s spices! I only really knew about the Kerala backwaters so this is very interesting to learn. I would definitely like to take this tour!
Kerala is as much known for it’s spices as for the backwaters 🙂 I know you will enjoy your visit whenever it happens
I’ve never been to a spice garden before (unless you count the handful of potted herbs on my balcony!). That’s crazy to learn that this region has been exporting since 3000BC! Wild! I feel like I won’t be able to look at spice in the same way now – so interesting to learn more about it!
Ha ha.. definitely Courtney, many a times we use so many herbs and spices without knowing their deeper story. These gardens reintroduce us to our own herbs and spices 🙂
I love cooking with spices and it’s fascinating to see how they actually grow. I visited a spice garden in Zamzibar. But I had no idea that Kerala had spice gardens too.
As you might have found through the post, Kerala is known for it’s spices since ages. And there are plenty of spice gardens 🙂
I have been to Kerala but I missed the Spice Garden. It’s cool they have plants like Brinjal too for medicinal purposes. I had no idea where Ginger, Cinnamon, Pepper or the others you mentioned came from! It’s a shame you couldn’t buy the plant to take home that’s the bad thing about traveling, you can’t buy everything.
You are right..as much we wanted, we couldn’t take the plants with us, but since then I have tried my hands on growing them from the seeds that we have at home and some have come out pretty well 🙂
How interesting I haven’t even thought about visiting a spice garden during my planned trip to India but I am going to check it out now as looks cool. Could you smell all the spices as you were walking round?
Definitely Jenni. The whole place is filled with the soothing aura of the spices
I have done the Kerela spice tour and I know what you mean. The spices there opened my eyes about what we get in Mumbai, devoid of the oils and less rich, yet more expensive.
You are so right..wish we could do a spice garden right in the heart of our urban dwellings
Spice trails are quite refreshing …love the sights and sounds of it. And you should go there in monsoon. It is so lush green and beautiful. Thanks for those natural tips ….they really work – some of them!
Thanks Ami. I guess we went just after the monsoons, so, we found it to be super green all around
Nice reading about the spice garden of Kerala. Kerala is indeed the spice garden of Kerala and has a very rich history of spice production and export. We have not visited any spice garden in Kerala and did not know that they organized guided tours. Had visited one in Goa though. Hope to cover this next time we are there in those parts.Where is this spice garden located, does it happen to be near Kochi?
Thanks Sandy N Vyjay. This one was on way from Cochin to Munnar, around 2 hours drive from Cochin. But Kerala is full of spice gardens, particularly the hilly side. So, you can spot one easily near Kochi
I always use a lot of spices when cooking and most of them originate to India, such as curry and turmeric. It must be heaven for me to visit such a place filled with all spices!!
Plan a trip and you will have a blast :). This also means, you will like the food in India
This long and storied history of Kerala makes me say wow. This place has been a part of human history for an unimaginably long time. We’d love to see this place just as an historical site, and all the wonderful spices are a big bonus. I wonder if the soil there is special somehow, from other natural features?
The soil is definitely quiet fertile. And the weather actually supports the spice plants. So, overall it has been a spice hub for ages. And of course the people here have become a pro with the spices after cultivating them for ages
This post is so informative!!! i love to read about new things that i don’t know… Thanks for sharing with us 🙂
thank you
Wonderful list and assortment of spicies, Ginger is a clear favourite of mine. I know Kerala is well-known for a lot, but I had no had no idea Kerala had that connection to spicies.
Thanks Geo. Kerala is the spice hub of India 🙂
That’s an interesting post ! I would love to visit India one day !
I love spices. It must be awesome to visit the place with all these spices.
That’s true
This was fascinating to read. When I was a teenager I went on exchange to Ternate, a small island in Indonesia. They too have a rich history in the spice trade. I love the smell of spice gardens.
Thanks Jenni. If you love the smell of spice gardens, you are definitely going to love one. If you ever happen to visit Kerala, do visit the spice gardens
I have never been to a spice garden before. Well, I’ve never been to India either. But this place sounds amazing. I love spices and I would love to see how their grown and the history of them. The fast that this area used to be the spice capital of India says so much. Amazing.
I am sure if you happen to visit one, you will like it Krysten 🙂
Very informative post it’s good to know about different spices and their benefits.
Thanks Ance