Spice Garden of India: The country is known for its cultural diversity and heritage - spices were a significant part of that heritage. Among all the states, Kerala is commonly referred to as the ‘Spice Garden of India’. The region's unique climate, soil composition, and flora are ideal for growing the diversity of spices that are sought after around the world.
For more than 3000 years, Kerala's spice routes have connected it with ancient civilisations of time such as Egyptians, Romans, and Arabs. To this day, Kerala's spices are supplied around the globe bringing the tastes of India to all areas of the world. Keep reading!
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Which state is referred to as spice garden of India?
Kerala is famously referred to as the Spice Garden of India. Being located in the south-western part of the country, Kerala's tropical climate and fertile soil provide a wonderful place for a variety of spices to flourish. For hundreds of years Kerala has served as a prominent place for spice trading between Indian spices and markets in Europe, the Middle East, etc.
The spice plantations of Kerala are located among its lush green hills and valleys, with farmers growing cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and more.
Top 5 Spices Grown in Kerala
Black pepper:
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Known as the “King of Spices”, Kerala is a leader in black pepper production. Black pepper is a global staple as a culinary spice and is valued for its pungent heat and for use in traditional medicine.
Cardamom:
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Called the 'Queen of Spices', cardamom flourishes in Kerala's Western Ghats. Cardamom is valued for its rich aroma and flavour and in sweets, teas, savoury dishes, and traditional medicine.
Cinnamon:
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Kerala produces some of the finest quality cinnamon from the bark. When found in bark, it presents a delicate, sweet flavouring, often known and used in kitchens all over the world, with traditional use for health applications.
Cloves:
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Cloves are the flower buds of an aromatic tree. Cloves are valued for their flavour in cooking and have some medicinal properties, mainly for dental relief. Kerala is a prime region and grows good clove plants.
Nutmeg:
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Grown in Kerala for both the seed (nutmeg) and the aril (mace). It provides a warm, sweet flavour used in diverse culinary applications and traditional remedies.
Also Read: Which State Is Known As The Land Of The Rising Sun?
Spice Plantations in Kerala
The spice plantations of Kerala represent an extremely popular tourist attraction. Visitors can stroll through lush green canopies and smell the freshness of the spices while learning about how spices are cultivated and harvested. Popular plantation destinations include:
- Thekkady – Famous for cardamom and pepper.
- Wayanad – Renowned for black pepper and coffee.
- Munnar – Beautiful hill station with cardamom and tea plantations.
The Significance of the Spice Garden of India
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The spices of Kerala contribute greatly not only to Kerala's cuisine but are important staples to the international spice market. Kerala remains a key exporter of spices the world over and an important aspect of the Indian economy, but they make another contribution too: the spice plantations that support tourism and provide livelihoods to thousands of local farmers.
Interesting facts about Spice garden of India:
- Largest Producer: Kerala is the largest producer of black pepper and cardamom in India.
- Global Trade: Kerala’s spices have been traded since 3000 BCE with civilisations like the Egyptians and Romans.
- Cultural Influence: Spices from Kerala have influenced global cuisines, from Europe to the Middle East.
- Sustainable Practices: Many plantations in Kerala use sustainable farming practices to preserve soil health.
- UNESCO Recognition: The spice trade routes of Kerala are part of the historic Malabar Coast, known for its global influence.
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