Spices – History and Mystery (Pt 2 of 2)

Mystery of the Spice Islands Revealed

(Continuing from Part 1).

• The East India Company Ltd – reborn and renewed. The East India Company today is reborn as a vibrant, inspiring company that acknowledges its heritage to never stop exploring and pioneering, to discover the world’s finest foods, products, and services.  The products they sell include teas, coffees, chocolates, and other fine foods.
• Manas: History and Politics, East India Company. Read more about the History and Politics of the East India Company; its humble rise to good fortune and its decline from political and economic power into dissolution by the Crown.

After being fought over for years, in 1814, the Dutch traders finally beat out the Spanish, Portuguese, and the British for the monopoly of the spice trade, and these islands came under Dutch control. The Spice Islands, along with other territories in the area now governed by the Dutch, were all consolidated under one name: Dutch East Indies. They were under the Dutch government from 1814 to 1942. During World War II, the Japanese conquered the Dutch West Indies and occupied them from 1942 to 1945. In 1945, Indonesia was proclaimed a republic, and the islands that were formerly known as the Spice Islands are now known as the Maluku Islands (also called the Moluccas or Moluccan Islands). The Moluccas are included in a group of islands between Southeast Asia and North Australia, which comprises the Malay Archipelago.

But you don't have to travel to Indonesia or circumnavigate the globe and risk death to go on an exotic spice adventure. These days spice trails are everywhere.

* India Tree Pepper Mélange is a premium blend, containing Tellicherry black, Madagascar green, Malaysian white and allspice berries; use the same way as black pepper.

** Kefta spice blend is an authentic Moroccan recipe which includes: Coriander, Cumin, Spearmint, Paprika, Cayenne, Marjoram, Garlic, and other spices.

*** Sumac is a very popular condiment in Turkey and Iran, where the ground fruits are liberally sprinkled over rice. Mixed with freshly cut onions, it is frequently eaten as an appetizer.

[ Content first published at Blogjob May 2017. ]

Spices – History and Mystery (Pt 1 of 2)

Europeans embarked upon voyages around the world.

~ Hundreds of years ago, Europeans sailed all over the globe to bring back various spices from the East. Spices were not just used to flavor food, but were also for medicinal purposes and enjoyed because of their exotic aromas. As such, they were highly valued commodities.

~ To trace the spice trails taken by the Europeans, track backwards from the Greco-Roman world to Egypt then Africa, and travel through Arabia (formerly Asia Minor) until you reach India. 

Image Credit: Bowls of Spices from Above, Agra, India ~ Bill Bachmann ~ Allposters.com

“The economically important Silk Road (red) and spice trade routes (blue) blocked by the Ottoman Empire ca. 1453 with the fall of the Byzantine Empire, spurring exploration motivated initially by the finding of a sea route around Africa and triggering the Age of Discovery.”

[Image Source: By Whole_world_-_land_and_oceans_12000.jpg: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Centerderivative work:Splettederivative work:Bongan - Whole_world_-_land_and_oceans_12000.jpgSilk_route.jpg, Public DomainWikimedia Commons]

The Year is 1608

The original spice routes started in India.

As is usually the case with precious commodities, nations sought to control the spice trade. The British fought the Dutch and the Portuguese. Fast forward through history to the year 1608; ships belonging to the East India Company arrived in India, at the port of Surat. This company had been given monopoly privileges on all trade with the East Indies by the British parliament, but their control did not last forever. In 1857-8, there was a rebellion which led to the end of the East India Company.

The dissolution of the East India Company had no impact on the integral role of India in the global spice trade. Though India is not the only country that exports spices to Europe and the United States, this "land of spices" does continue to be a major exporter of spices to Europe, the USA and various other parts of the world.

Based on the substantial growth of spices exports during the last five years and particularly during the period 2010-2011, the SPICES BOARD INDIA, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India reported: " India can now boast as the monopoly supplier of spice oils and oleoresins (naturally occurring mixtures of an oil and a resin) the world over. In the case of curry powders, spice powders, spice mixtures and spices in consumer packs, India is in a formidable position."

Spices introduced by India include cardamom, cassia, ginger, tamarind, curry, turmeric, and many more. Cardamon is even referred to as the "queen of spices". (Saffron is known as the "king of spices". FYI.) These everyday exotic spices are an important contribution to the quality of our daily living.

Stock Your Kitchen Cabinet 

with Everyday Exotic Spices

[ Content first published at BlogJob May 2017). ]

Spice Spotlight: Saffron, Cardamon, Curry and Turmeric

The spice trails taken by the Europeans can be traced backward from India to Arabia (formerly Asia Minor) to Africa to Egypt and all the way to the ancient Greco-Roman world. Wars were fought over precious spices and in the end … we all won! Because the end result of the wars and the global spice trade is that these days, exotic spices are readily available, either via online shopping or maybe even at your local grocery store. 

If you would like to learn about the history of spices, here are a couple of links of interest.

• History and Politics, East India Company
• A Short History of Spices

India is not the only country that supplies herbs and spices to Europe and the USA, however, these days, it is a major exporter. The spices which were introduced to the West by way of India include, but are not limited to, cardamom, cassia, ginger, tamarind, curry, and turmeric.

Cardamon is referred to as the "queen of spices".
Do you know which spice is called the “king of spices”? Saffron!
(Although some say it's black pepper. Not me! I'm in the saffron camp.)

The origins of saffron may be disputed. (History of Saffron.) But not its flavor, health benefits, or its recognition as the most valuable spice in the world.

Were I to recommend four (4) spices to turn my mundane everyday meals into extraordinary-everyday dining experiences, it would be:

1. saffron, 
2. cardamon, 
3. curry, and 
4. turmeric.

If I were thinking of a gourmet food gift for an aspiring chef or a friend or relative who wants to improve their cooking skills, it would be one or more of these delightful spices.

Related Links of Interest:
♦ Cardamom-And-Coriander-And-Turmeric Recipes
♦ 15 Recipes that Prove Cardamom Makes Everything Taste Better Recipe
♦ 20 Tasty Turmeric Recipes - Easy Ways to Cook with Turmeric
♦ Foodie Friday : Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon


Source: Previously published on  Webnuggetz.com

Foodie Nuggets: Basil, the Sacred Herb

Basil has a revered status in various cultures, and some refer to it as “the sacred herb”. It serves as a symbol of spirituality, protection, and even divinity. References to Basil's sacred nature are found in religious texts, historical manuscripts, and cultural literature.

Image credit: Basil Kitchen Herb Watercolor Wall Art

For example:

• In Hinduism, basil is considered sacred to the god Vishnu.

• In Greek Orthodox Christianity, basil is used to prepare holy water during the Feast of the Epiphany, symbolizing the blessing of the waters.

• In medieval European folklore and superstitions, basil was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

In traditional medicine, basil is praised for its potential health benefits. It is rich in essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. People who prefer holistic herbal remedies use basil to treat address ailments such as, digestive issues and respiratory conditions,

Last, but not least, basil is a culinary delight. Its leaves are very aromatic leaves and the herb has a distinctive flavor. Basil's popularity extends to many countries and culinary traditions:

• Italy and Greece: Basil is a fundamental herb in the Mediterranean diet. It is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and complements the Mediterranean flavors commonly found in Greek food.

• India: Basil, known as tulsi in Hindi, is used in Indian cuisine, as well as, religious rituals and Ayurvedic medicine.

• Thailand and Vietnam: Thai cuisine incorporates basil in dishes such as Thai basil chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) and green curry. The herb is also common in Vietnamese cuisine, and featured in dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup).

That short list includes just a few examples. But is it any wonder that basil is found in spice cabinets and herb gardens all over the world? 

Just a few quick notes about the mythology behind the wonderful herb basil.

~ Basil comes from the Greek word "basilikos", which means "herb worthy of a king". 

~ Hindus regard basil as a sacred plant. Historians say basil originated in India and was brought to the West. 

~ Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were aware of this plant's medicinal qualities and as a flavoring for food. 

~ Pliny, a famous Roman citizen, friend to the emperor, a writer, philosopher, and a naturalist, was convinced that basil was a powerful aphrodisiac. Consequently, basil became a symbol for love and lovers. 

~ In the Middles Ages, in Europe, basil was used for exorcism, to drive out devils. But the Italians eventually figured out it made a great pesto! 

~ Napoleon Bonaparte believed the scent of basil made him smarter, so he would sniff it before preparing plans for battle. Interesting huh? 

REF: Sacred Plant of Eternal Love and Healing: The Mythology and Magic of Basil | Ancient Origins ~ www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/sacred-plant-eternal-love-and-healing-mythology-and-magic-basil-009395

Green Leafy Herbs are the Unsung Heroes

Green leafy herbs are the unsung heroes of both the kitchen and the apothecary. They’re not just flavor boosters—they’re cultural symbols, medicinal allies, and botanical marvels.  🌿 

Framed Botanical Wall Art for Kitchen, 6 Piece Rustic Canvas Prints Paintings Wall Decor

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🧄 Culinary Staples

These herbs are prized for their fresh, aromatic leaves and are often used raw or lightly cooked to preserve their flavor and nutrients.

🌱 Medicinal & Cultural Significance

• Holy basil (Tulsi) is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic properties.

• Mint has been used for centuries to soothe digestion and freshen breath.

• Sage was once believed to grant immortality in ancient Roman lore.

• Thyme contains thymol, a natural antiseptic used in mouthwashes and balms.

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🧪 Fresh vs. Dried

• Fresh herbs (aka “green herbs”) retain vibrant color and volatile oils—ideal for garnishes and quick-cook dishes.

• Dried herbs have concentrated flavors and longer shelf lives—better for slow-cooked meals.

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🍽️ Pro Tips for Use

• Add delicate herbs like parsley and cilantro at the end of cooking.

• Use woody herbs like rosemary and thyme early to infuse flavor.

• Chop herbs finely to release oils, or bruise them for infusions.

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EXTRA RESEARCH.

(I watch a lot of Korean dramas, and I'm always drooling over the food.  LOL.)

🍲 Korean Culinary Traditions

Many of the herbs on your page play key roles in Korean cooking, often with layered meanings:

• Perilla Leaves (Kkaennip) – Aromatic and slightly bitter, these are often eaten pickled or used as wraps. Their distinct flavor and versatility earn them a place in banchan spreads.
• Garlic Chives (Buchu) – Stir-fried, added to pancakes, or tucked into dumplings, their pungency boosts richness in humble home-style dishes.
• Mint – Known as "bang-ah" in Korean, mint isn’t as common in savory dishes but features in herbal teas that promote digestion and refreshment.
• Mugwort (Ssuk) – Used in rice cakes like ssuk tteok and soups, mugwort lends an earthy flavor and is tied to spring rituals and cleansing traditions.

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🌿 Historical and Medicinal Roles

Korean traditional medicine (Hanbang) reflects centuries of botanical wisdom:

• Thyme and Sage – While not native to Korea, similar aromatic herbs have been used in teas and topical remedies for respiratory or skin-related ailments.
• Mugwort (Ssuk) – Considered a sacred herb, used for everything from digestive tonics to women’s health treatments. It’s burned in cleansing rituals, much like sage in other cultures.
• Perilla Seeds – Ground into pastes or oils, they're thought to support heart health and boost immune function.

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NOTE: This content is AI-generated.  Just testing. 😀👍

Stock Your Kitchen Cabinet or Pantry with Exotic Spices

On September 20, 1519, Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan (c. 1489-1521), set sail from Spain on a mission to find a western route to the Spice Islands. He reached the coast of South America and then navigated the strait linking the Atlantic and the Pacific which now bears his name, the Strait of Magellan. He crossed the Pacific to the Philippines in1521, where he was killed in a battle with the natives. Juan Sebastian del Cano (c. 1460-1526), a Spanish navigator, stepped into the shoes of Commander after Magellan’s death and returned to Spain in 1522. Three of the five ships Magellan led on the expedition did return to Europe. But what became of the Spice Islands?

The year is 1945 and Indonesia has been proclaimed as a republic. The islands formerly known as the Spice Islands are known today as the Moluccan Islands. No doubt discovering these islands was quite an adventure for the explorers, but these days it is very easy to go on an exotic spice adventure and never leave your kitchen.

Just follow these spice trails:
- Allspice from Jamaica; an essential ingredient in Caribbean cuisine.
- Sweet and aromatic Turkish spices like Anise Seed.
- Organic Mace and Cinnamon sticks from Indonesia.
- Cloves originating from Madagascar.
- Rosemary originating from Spain.
- Herbs such as Dill Weed and Cilantro from Israel.
- Cardamon from Guatemala.
- Nutmeg from the East Indies. (Whole Nutmeg)
- Juniper Berries from Yugoslavia.
- Herbs and spices from India like Fennel, Ginger and Turmeric.
- Tellicherry peppercorns, the fruits of the Brazilian pepper tree.
- Commonly used herbs from France ~ Lavender, Tarragon, and Thyme.
- Brown and Yellow Mustard Seed from Canada.
- Garlic and Basil grown in California, USA.
- Rubbed Sage, an Albanian herb.
- Savory, a dried herb used Central European kitchens.
- Oregano from Greece.
- Caraway Seeds from Holland.
- Hungarian Paprika
- Egyptian Marjoram.


Related Links of Interest
♦ 10 Essential International Spices For Any Kitchen
♦ Top 12 Must-Have Herbs To Grow In Your Kitchen Garden
♦ 5 Best Spices Burn Fat

♦ 3 Spices That Hold the Secrets of Longevity Per Mao Shing Ni (Dr. Mao)
♦ 10 Best Spices For Healthy Cooking by Matthew Kaplan
♦ 5 Exotic Spices From Around the World by Melisa Marzett

Stock Your Kitchen Cabinet with Exotic Spices

Foodie Nuggets: Homemade Gift Ideas: Air-Dried Herbs Make Great Food Gifts

Air-drying is better than heat-drying because the heat evaporates essential oils. Drying solves the problem of food waste, and learning how to air-dry herbs could become a hobby that you could turn into an income stream. Also, air-dried herbs make nice gifts. I would love to receive a jar of air-dried Herbs de Provence.

Learn how to air-dry and how to store the dried herbs. 

~ How To Air-Dry Herbs

Food Dehydrator - Electric 5 Tier Tray Machine with Adjustable Temperature Control & Hot Air Circulation - #Food #Dryer for Beef Jerky, #Vegetables, #Fruit & Dog #Snacks - Stainless Steel, 250W by VonShef ~ https://t.co/aZEeB892TP via @amazon #smallappliances #homeandkitchen pic.twitter.com/LfX0yMtnS9

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) August 21, 2021

(NOTE: Content below is AI-Generated using ChatGPT)

Here are three excellent step-by-step guides from 2020–2025 that walk you through how to air-dry herbs effectively:

🌿 1. Mama on the Homestead – Hang Drying Process

• Step-by-step highlights:

  • Harvest herbs in the morning before flowering.

  • Shake gently to remove insects; rinse if needed.

  • Remove lower leaves and bundle stems with twine.

  • Hang upside down in a dry, shaded area for 1–2 weeks.

  • Store in airtight containers once fully dry.

🌿 2. Decor With Style – Comprehensive Guide

• Step-by-step highlights:

  • Harvest healthy herbs before flowering.

  • Clean and prep herbs by removing excess moisture.

  • Bundle with twine and hang in a ventilated space.

  • Monitor drying progress and avoid overcrowding.

  • Store dried herbs in labeled jars away from light.

🌿 3. GardenerBible – Preserve Flavor Naturally

• Step-by-step highlights:

  • Choose herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

  • Clean thoroughly and pat dry.

  • Bundle and hang in a low-humidity area.

  • Avoid direct sunlight to preserve color and oils.

  • Check dryness after 1–2 weeks and store properly.

World Cuisine: Indian Food - Myth or Fact

Do you like Indian food? I do! Although I must admit, I had to acquire a taste for it. My first time trying a so-called authentic Indian dish was at one of those American mall-type food courts, where there are all kinds of restaurants for you to choose from. That probably wasn't the best place for me to get my first taste. I was taken aback by some sort of flavor or spice that my palate was clearly not expecting. It threw me off!

Later on, when cooking channels became so popular on television, started learning how to prepare Indian dishes. There was one lady who referred to herself as a “spice goddess”.  Because really, it comes to cooking, Indians do know their spices.  No argument.  Her recipes always seemed so simple, easy to prepare, and she explained the herbs and spices she used for flavoring and showed you how to incorporate them into the recipes.  Crush these seeds.  Warm this spice in the pan.  Sprinkle these herbs.  Decided to try Indian food again and was very pleased with the tasting tests.

Below is a link to a blog post that eliminates common myths about Indian food. Didn't know there were myths but good to know they can be ignored. What were some of the myths?

• All Indian food is spicy.
• All Indian food is vegetarian.
• All Indian food is overloaded with curry.

Discover the Truth behind the Indian Food Myths

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Content first published Mar 21, 2015 via Persona Paper

5 Things You Thought You Knew about Indian Food

5 Things You Thought You Knew about Indian Food

By Petrina Verma Sarkar Come on, be honest. What are the first things that come to your mind when you think of Indian food? Hot, spicy, oily, rich, fatty, bad for you, difficult and time-consuming to cook, curry powder....

15 Interesting Facts Related To Indian Food You Should Know

15 Interesting Facts Related To Indian Food You Should Know

Facts that will blow your taste buds

20 unbelievable facts about Indian food

20 unbelievable facts about Indian food

Before it turned into an art that involved culinary expertise, food in India was about rasas and doshas. Taste or rasa in Sanskrit guides the tongue and it is a balance or misbalance of these rasas that cause or correct the doashas in body.

Known and unknown facts about Indian cooking

Known and unknown facts about Indian cooking

It is about experimenting with different spices and ingredients and to come up with your own secret recipes. Then just go for it, Visit Masala Fry! Enjoy!

Indian ladies: glitter-graphics.com

Use of Spices Explained for Foodies by Chris Donald (Guest Post)

To make the food good and very palatable, you will need to use the spices as well as various condiments. These spices will make the food more appealing, and for sure, there is no way that you can eat food that is bland and non-spicy.

The herbs and spices that need to be added to the food to make it tasty will be based on two things, and these are the freshness of spices as well as the proper quantity.

A proper mix or proportion is very important for the addition of spices. Most of the spices come in the powdered form or in the leaf form.

The compatibility of spice with certain types of food is a must-know. You should know which spice to use with which food. This operates on the same principle as the wine does, which is that you should know what wine to serve with what kind of food.

There is no sure-shot method of the quantity that can be used in the food. Your help for the quantity is the online food sites, as well as recipe books available all over. Make sure that you do not add more spices because more is generally not acceptable, but less is acceptable.

If you are reading the recipe books, they generally tend to border on the more commercial side of things, which means the quantities and styles are more over the top. You may need to use your own estimate for the home-cooked food.

To keep the freshness intact of the spices, make sure that you buy the good brands which have good packaging as well as make sure that once you have opened them that you seal them properly to retain the flavor and the aroma.

• Article Credit:

Donald, Chris "Use of spices explained for foodies." Use of spices explained for foodies. 17 Feb. 2009. uberarticles. 8 Dec 2012 <uberarticles.com/food-and-drink/use-of-spices-explained-for-foodies/> (archived copy).

Suggested spice storage products:

• wall mounted spice racks;

• under counter spice racks.

My Dollar Store Hack to Organize My Spice Cabinet https://t.co/2alyUdGWP9 via @flipboard

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) November 23, 2019

Food Trivia Quiz: Everyday Exotic Spices https://t.co/6Bc0IW3OiL via @virilycom #Takethequiz

— Treathyl Fox (@cmoneyspinner) November 12, 2019

Tips About Using Everyday Exotic Spices https://t.co/c8S5yMBv6f via @virilycom

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) November 23, 2019

3 Obvious Reasons Why People Love Herbs and Spices https://t.co/2va47ZXuQM via @virilycom #foodanddrink #foodandcooking #cooking #food pic.twitter.com/ad95p2L4Wj

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) November 23, 2019

Foodie Nuggets: Herbs and Spices: 3 Spices for a Long Life

Mao Shing Ni (Dr. Mao), is a board-certified anti-aging expert who asserts that there are 3 spices that promote longevity. That’s right. They can help you live longer. Ginger, evergreen, and garlic.

Try These Secrets Of Eating for Longevity from Dr. Mao Shing Ni | Epicurious.com

(Archived article copy)

♦
Source: Virily.com

Foodie Nuggets: Cabbages (Without Kings)

If you are familiar with the 1904 novel by O. Henry, then you know it's not about collecting cabbage recipes for kings. 😊  It's just that in my high school Literature class we studied short stories and O. Henry was one of the writers we learned about. It was the year I learned that I liked short stories much better than reading books. You got to the ending quicker! 😊  

• Cabbages and Kings is a novel by O. Henry, a collection of short stories about political intrigue and corruption in a fictional Central American country. The title comes from the poem "The Walrus and the Carpenter" in Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll.  (SOURCE)

OK.  Back on point.  This food blurb is about cabbage recipes. 

If your goal is to eat more green leafy vegetables and you like cabbage anyway, then you'll probably enjoy this recipe. It's made with ground beef, but I vary it and use ground chicken or turkey. Also, I omit the cheese topping. For me, that's unnecessary extra calories. You could use a breadcrumb topping as a substitute or no topping at all. You might be able to also vary this recipe using escarole, napa cabbage, collards, or Swiss chard, instead of cabbage. You might try purple cabbage instead of green. Purple veggies are just as good as green!

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe | EatingWell

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Eating Well is an excellent website. I subscribe to it. You find cooking tips and health tips. Here is a link to more cabbage recipes. If you're trying to lose weight, try the cabbage diet soup.

MORE Food Blurbs at Food Ways: 

• 100 Healthiest Foods ~ Is Your Favorite Food on the List?
• 3 Spices for a Long Life
• 5 Exotic Spices
• 6 Spices For Indian Cuisine
• Name the Sexy Spices
• Medical Advice About Super foods
• Top 10 List of Superfoods
• WARNING: Delicacies Can Be Dangerous!