Which country in the world famous for spices?
It seems everyone loves spices, but do you know where they all come from? In some cases, you might be surprised to find out that they originate from countries that are not commonly associated with spices. Here’s a list of the top 10 countries known for their spices. See if your favorite country made the list! Some of them might surprise you!
India
The average person in India eats about nine pounds of ginger and four pounds of garlic per year. Ginger can be found in many Indian dishes, including biryani and chutneys.
Sri Lanka
The island nation of Sri Lanka, which many people in North America call Ceylon, has a rich and colorful history dating back thousands of years. Today, it’s known around the globe as a major exporter of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and pepper. While Sri Lanka was once considered an important military outpost in Asia — and even home to Buddhist monks — it became a favorite tourist destination in 2004, when martial law was lifted after decades of civil war.
Indonesia
The island nation of Indonesia produces many well-known and lesser known spices, including star anise, cloves and pepper. The country’s most notable spice export might be Nutmeg, which Indonesia produces in abundance. Approximately 17 percent of all nutmeg worldwide comes from Indonesia. Cloves are also a large source of income in Indonesia, where they’re harvested by hand. Cinnamon is yet another well-known Indonesian export – approximately 80% of global cinnamon exports come from Indonesia.
Brazil
Surpassing even India, Brazil has approximately 400 species of native plants that are used in traditional medicine. Annual Brazilian exports have reached a value of $120 million, with fresh and dried herbs and extracts accounting for a large part of these exports. Although there are restrictions on some plants species (poisonous varieties or parts of endangered or rare plants), many are sold freely over-the-counter or by internet mail order.
Argentina
The term spice immediately brings to mind exotic islands with sandy beaches, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. But you can also find some of the most colorful and flavorful spices on another continent entirely: South America. Argentina has a rich history with herbs and spices, particularly chilies. If you want to add a spicy kick to your cooking or are looking for a unique gift to bring back from your travels in Argentina, we’ve gathered together our favorite hot sauces made in Argentina.
Mexico
One of Mexico’s most internationally recognized products, cilantro—also called coriander—is grown in abundance in several Mexican regions. Cilantro can be used whole or ground and has a strong, distinct flavor that goes well with fish, chicken and pork dishes. Even better: The essential oils found in cilantro have anti-inflammatory properties (which may help lower cholesterol), fight inflammation due to arthritis and ease digestion.
Ethiopia
Ethopia’s location puts it in a unique position, geographically and historically. Situated at an intersection of three continents, Ethiopia has long been an important source of trade and cultural diffusion. Today Ethiopia remains a crossroads for global economic links, including its thriving import-export business—which means you can find many varieties of seeds, oils and herbs from around Africa and India in its markets.
Chile
Chili peppers are native to Central and South America. They originated in Mexico and have been cultivated in South America since at least 5,000 B.C., with some evidence they were first used even earlier than that. Chili peppers became popular food additives from northern Europe to China, including India, as well as Spain and Portugal by 1492 C.E., when Columbus returned from his voyages to North America bearing chilies for Queen Isabella of Castille.