The History Of Spices

History of Spices When examining the background of spices in general, it is very interesting to note how they have shaped our history. Spices were highly valuable commodities both during and before the Age of Exploration. This can be attributed to the fact that they served an important role in the food preservation process. Moreover, they were widely used as a flavor enhancer. As a result, spices emerged as key components of ancient economies, and competitions for the control of the spice trade have led to major consequences that have altered the course of history. Before the invention of the refrigerator, one of the common ways people preserved foods was through the use of salt and spices. For instance, salting allowed fishermen to preserve their fish while at sea, which was then very significant (LeCouteur and Burreson 296). This concept is still used today in products such as beef jerky and salted pork. In ancient times, however, people had to find a way to reduce the saltiness of salted foods, which is where spices come into play. Furthermore, spices such as pepper were used to mask the taste of rancid meat and help preserve dried foods (LeCouteur and Burreson 20). In addition to their significance in the preservation process, numerous spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and even pepper provide many health benefits.

Moreover, since there was tremendous amount of demand for spices, it was extremely essential for nations to get involved in the spice trade to be well off economically. Around the fifteenth century, the city of Venice became synonymous with the spice trade. By having a monopoly on the spice trade, Venice was able to flourish, and became an idol for other nations and cities worldwide to follow. Its success was so prodigious that it inspired other nations to find other ways to India and get involved in the spice