Spices

Kerala, also known as the "Spice Garden of India," is famous for its rich and diverse spice trade. The state has a long history of spice cultivation and trading, dating back to the ancient times, when traders from all over the world came to Kerala to buy spices. Kerala's tropical climate, fertile soil, and abundant rainfall make it an ideal place for the cultivation of spices.

Here are some of the popular spices grown in Kerala:

Pepper: Kerala is the largest producer of pepper in India, and it is known for its high-quality black pepper. Pepper cultivation is mainly done in the districts of Wayanad, Idukki, and Kozhikode.

Cardamom: Kerala is the largest producer of cardamom in the world, accounting for more than 70% of the global production. Cardamom is mainly grown in the districts of Idukki, Wayanad, and Palakkad.

Cloves: Cloves are grown in the high-altitude regions of Kerala, such as Munnar, which has a cool and moist climate. Kerala produces high-quality cloves that are used in the production of perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is grown in the hilly regions of Kerala, such as Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Palakkad. Kerala produces high-quality cinnamon that is used in the production of food, beverages, and medicines.

Turmeric: Turmeric is grown in the low-lying regions of Kerala, such as Alappuzha and Kottayam. Kerala produces high-quality turmeric that is used in the production of medicines and cosmetics.

Apart from these spices, Kerala also produces other spices such as ginger, nutmeg, mace, tamarind, and vanilla. The state is also famous for its unique blend of spices, which is used in the preparation of traditional dishes such as biryani, sambar, and rasam. The spice markets of Kerala, such as the ones in Kochi and Kozhikode, are a major tourist attraction, where visitors can buy a variety of spices and other local products.