The Science of Spice

38 World of Spice

Hormuz

To Europe

World of Spice

SOUTH ASIA

Each of South Asia’s diverse communities

has its own distinctive seasonings, from a

simple sprinkle of cumin to complex spice

blends. Native spices, such as cardamom

and cinnamon, are central to many

cuisines, while chilli and coriander, once

non-local, are now valuable exports.

KEY

Historical spice trade routes

Ancient Silk Road

SPICE REGIONS

North India p40

Himalayan Belt p41

Central India p42

West India p44

East India

and Bangladesh p43

South India

and Sri Lanka p45

A rich coast

India’s Malabar coast was

the main export outlet for

Kerala’s peppercorns, and has

long been at the centre of the

global spice trade. In the 16th

century Portugal was the first

European nation to enrich

itself by trading peppercorns

from this area.

038-039_Map_south_asia.indd 38 04/06/2018 17:07