Spice Market Cochin

Kerala is synonymous with beaches and backwaters but it is also a land which is famous for its spice production. The credit goes to its beautiful Cochin which is its commercial city. While on a shopping spree in Cochin, do not forget to buy some appealing spices which you can used in preparing culinary delights when you go back home. The spices produced in the city are known for their long shelf life and purity. Cochin earned international fame because of the production and export of these exciting spices to several countries. Today the city occupies an important place in the global spice market.

The history of the production and export of spices in Cochin dates back to around 600 years ago. The merchants of the city used to trade in spices with the Arabs, Jews, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese. Some of the famous spices of Cochin are black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon,nutmeg, turmeric, ginger and chillies. Scan the markets of the city for the spices which are sold both wholesale and in smaller quantities. The aroma of these spices indicates their purity.

Spices are an integral part of most of the recipes, especially Indian. South Indian cuisine involves a moderate use of certain spices which adds amazing flavour to the dishes. The spices are also used in making perfumes and medicines. Most of the Indian spices are endowed with curative properties and are still used by the people as a remedy for several diseases.