Ann Tran

Nine Fascinating Facts About The Spice Trade

Friday, July 26, 2019
By Azamara

How often do you use pepper or salt when you’re cooking? Do you sprinkle cinnamon on top of your oatmeal in the morning? Why does everyone go nuts for a Pumpkin Spice Latte when October arrives?

After cruising the ancient Spice Route Azamara®, I’m realizing how much we take these spices we use every day for granted. As I’m learning more about the spices used in these different regions, I’m also learning about their importance in the world’s history. Here are some fascinating facts:

1. Kerala, my fourth stop on the trip, was a major spice trade center as early as 3,000 B. C.


Traveling the Spice Route with Azamara

2. Arab traders controlled the spice trade between Europe and the East, like China, Indonesia, India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka, my third stop), for almost 5,000 years until Europeans started looking for a new route to the Far East. 


3. Christopher Columbus found America by accident, on his way to finding a new route to India. He found Jamaica instead, which has many spices of its own, like allspice.
 
4. It was Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama who was the first to finally reach India in 1497, successfully navigating the southern tip of Africa. He returned from his landing spot on the southwest coast of India with his ships laden with nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and peppercorns.
 

Spice Route 3

5. In the Middle Ages, Europeans lacked refrigeration and general hygiene, leading to food spoiling quickly. Spices were so important because they helped mask the flavor of not-so-fresh food.


6. The Netherlands really, really wanted a small Indonesian island called Run for it’s high volume of nutmeg, so it traded a few colonies across the Atlantic. One is now called Manhattan.
 
7. Wars over those “Spice Islands” in Indonesia, like Run, lasted for about 200 years, between the 15th and 17th centuries.
 
8. Piracy was rampant on the seas, especially off the coast of Portugual, preying on the ships that were carrying spices back to Europe from the Far East.
 

Spice Route 12

9. India is the top spice-producing country in the world. 


Top Spice Producing Countries

 Travel the Spice Route with Azamara Club Cruises! Upcoming voyages include:​​

Ann Tran was invited to cruise onboard the Azamara Quest. 


Featured Cruises

Recent Articles

Dubrovnik, Croatia at dusk
DESTINATION IMMERSION

Seven Things to do in Croatia

Croatia has seen a sort of transformation recently, one that has taken it from a hidden gem of coastal delights to one of the hottest travel destinations in Europe. What makes this small Balkan nation so appealing? It could be the brilliant sapphire waters of the Adriatic and spectacular white beaches. Or maybe it’s the medieval architecture and walled towns steeped in history begging to be uncovered. Or perhaps it’s the friendly, welcoming people and unique folk culture.

aerial shoreline view
DESTINATION IMMERSION

Highlights of the 2025 Azamara World Voyage

155 nights. 37 countries. Explore every corner of the globe on Azamara’s 2025 World Voyage. A leader in Destination Immersion® experiences, Azamara continues to bring guests to bucket-list destinations, providing immersive travel moments while delivering service excellence. 

shimmer background woman holding gift
DESTINATION IMMERSION

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Travel Lovers

Just like every snowflake is unique, so is every individual and their approach to travel. Some people value staying connected while they travel, while the fashionista in your life might prioritize wardrobe changes. The aspiring photographer might have a carry-on filled with camera equipment, and someone drawn to wellness may need their portable workout gear on every trip!