Spicestory

Abstract

Spices have enlivened civilisations for aeons. These fragrant flora have added zing to food, zest to life, charted the lifestyles of whole races and regions and shaped the history of the modern world. This book represents a journey through time and space, a voyage across millennia, spanning continents and cultures all around the globe; an exotic journey that weaves a history of the world through its desire for spices. Commissioned by the Spices Board of India, Spicestory is a richly-illustrated journey through each of the unique spices that can be found throughout Asia.

Contents

In the beginning: a prevalence of spices -- The berry that launched a thousand ships: pepper -- Nest of the phoenix: cinnamon -- The Scheherezade seed: cardamom -- The buds of contention: cloves -- Psychic guardian: garlic -- The rhizome of zest: ginger -- The golden healer: turmeric -- Fiery controversy: chillies -- The Spanish trailblazer: mustard -- The tropical twins: nutmeg and mace -- From the gardens of Babylon: cumin -- The Greeks had a bad word for it: coriander -- The wreath of the gladiators: fennel -- Gourmet hay: fenugreek -- Beyond illusions: poppy seeds or khus-khus -- A shade beyond colour: saffron -- From the halls of Montezuma: vanilla -- The flavour of freshness: mint -- The reasons why: the Spice Board of India -- Epilogue: spice-echoes.