The story of spices has been an indispensable aspect of Kerala’s culture and history and encompasses tales that span centuries and ancient trade connections. Today, this heritage of utilising nature’s bounty is represented in the culinary practices of preparing flavourful food in Kerala. Therefore, we will trace the many uses of spices grown in Kerala, and how they contributed to its beautiful heritage.
The climatic conditions of abundant sunlight and rain along with the rich loamy soil in Kerala have provided an ideal environment for the growth of a variety of spices such as pepper, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. This made it a prominent location in the spice trade dating back to 3000 years and earned it the title of the “Land of Spices”. Throughout history, Kerala has witnessed traders from flourishing civilizations in the past such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Arabs, who arrived at Muziris port in Kerala, making it a hub for spices. This continued with the coming of the Dutch, Portuguese, and British in the 1800s. The high quality and the potent taste of spices grown in the region not only resulted in prosperity for the people but also gave rise to the Age of Exploration and fostered cultural relations with people from distant lands. Although, Kerala’s monopoly over spices reduced over the years, the latter laid the foundation of Kerala’s multicultural vibrancy that we see in modern times.
The cultivation of spices and the historical influences that emerged from them are a vital part of Kerala’s cultural identity and its traditional cuisine. Famous delicacies such as the Kerala Sadhya, Malabar Biriyani, Theeyal, Karimeen Pollichathu, Erissery, and Fish Moilee, are a testament to the magic that is created by the spices grown in the region. These dishes are staples among kitchens in the state for special occasions and have an emotional connection with those consuming them. Along with food preparation, spices are also known for their medicinal and therapeutic purposes, as they contain anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, immunity immunity-boosting properties.
Given this rich tapestry of culture and tradition, spices from Kerala continue to be one of India’s major exports. They are renowned for their quality and are gaining more traction due to the recognition Indian food is receiving globally. This makes the use of spices go beyond our culinary practices as they represent the enduring heritage of our ancestors, whose inventiveness ensures our well-being to date.