Article 20 – Indian Spices

Role of spices in history:

Spices were an important and crucial source of trade in the early medieval ages. They were very popular in the Middle Ages. Spices were expensive and the country which had them was considered to be rich. They were a status symbol to the then kingdoms and the export of spices and trade from it were really beneficial .The Western countries lacked spices and as a result, they had to pay heavily to get the spices.

During the Middle Ages , it has been said that:

• one pound of mace was worth three sheep or half a cow
• one sack of pepper was said to be worth a man’s life

Spices has a very significant role in Rituals as it was used to Babylonian kings used them to worship The Babylonian moon God as it was thought to control medicinal plants.

It was also used in mythology.

My state is Karnataka and its famous spice is Green Cardamom.

It is known as “Yalakki” in Kannada

USES:

• The seeds and oil from the seeds are used to make medicine.
• Cardamomis used for digestion problems including heartburn, intestinal spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, constipation, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite.
• In foods, cardamomis used as a spice.
• Improves Digestive Health

According to an Indian study, cardamom can be used in cuisines not just for flavor, but also for enhancing digestion The spice also stimulates metabolism, given its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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