Kerala Spice Routes

Kerala spices have gained wide acclaim across the globe for their aromatic smell and flavor. Kerala holds pride in being the hub of spice trade in India for nearly thousands of years now. History suggests that the ancient Musiris port in Kerala attracted traders from all over the world to its renowned spices centuries ago.

In fact, the desire to control the spice trade from Kerala could also be termed as one of the primary reasons for the western colonization in India.

Kerala continues to be a major contributor to the international spice trade over the last decade that stands at a remarkable 500,000 ton prized at nearly $1500 million. Some of the most popular Kerala spices that have brought pride to the tiny state are mentioned below.

Pepper (Piper Nigrum)

Kerala is renowned the world over for being the major producer and exporter of pepper, better known as the ‘King of Spices' across the globe

Pepper is grown along Kerala's lowlands and high ranges and is available in an exotic variety like Malabar Garbled , Tellichery Extra Bold , Karimunda , Kuthiravally and Arakkulam Munda . Pepper is used in medicine as a carminative and a stimulant of gastric secretions.

Small Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum Maton)

One of the oldest found spices in the world, cardamom is largely grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Available in Alleppey Green Extra Bold (AGEB), Alleppey Green Bold (AGB) and Alleppey Green Superior (AGS), cardamom is widely used to provide a rich flavor to food preparations across the world and is also a major ingredient for perfumes, health foods, medicines and beverages. The unique flavor of Kerala's cardamom finds great demand in Middle East, Russia and Japan