{"id":260,"date":"2025-12-06T16:38:41","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T16:38:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/blog\/?p=260"},"modified":"2025-12-07T05:13:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-07T05:13:58","slug":"best-spices-of-kerala","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/best-spices-of-kerala\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Spices Of Kerala-What to Buy on your holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kerala is famous for its spices. It prides itself on being the hub of the spice trade in India and has maintained this distinction for thousands of years. History suggests that the ancient Muziris port in Kerala attracted traders worldwide for the spice trade centuries ago. The best spices of Kerala are among the most unique spices available in the world! The desire to control the spice trade from Kerala may have been the primary reason for Western colonization in India.<\/p>\n

ALSO SEE –Why Kerala Is Called \u2018God\u2019s Own Country\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kerala continues to be a major contributor to the international spice trade over the last decade. The spice trade volume from Kerala stands at a remarkable 500,000 tons prized at nearly $1500 million. However, if you are planning to visit the best tourist spots in Kerala<\/a>, here is a guide on some of the best spices of Kerala that you can take back home.<\/p>\n

List of the best spices of Kerala<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t leave without buying these exotic and tantalizing spices in Kerala from government-authorized sellers or plantation outlets.<\/p>\n

1. Ginger<\/h3>\n

Ginger <\/strong>is one of the earliest spices grown in Kerala and is native to India. It is a flavoring from the tuberous root, which is often dried and under the ground. Ginger is usually dried and cleaned to give a natural white color.<\/p>\n

Ginger is known for its typical strong smell. Both in India and the Subcontinent, Ginger is added to tea for its special flavor. Besides, it is rich in minerals and vitamin C. You can get ginger in different forms. In addition to its fresh and dried form, ginger can be obtained in the form of pickles, crystals, and powder.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/strong>: Fiery and Pungent<\/em><\/p>\n

Part Used<\/strong>: Rhizome<\/p>\n

Use<\/strong>: Oriental Cookery, Curry Powder, Confectionery, Wine & Tea, soda, cocktails<\/i>, <\/span><\/i>cosmetics, and soaps.<\/i><\/em><\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/strong>: Ginger can be taken when you have flu or cold. <\/span>Ginger tea can uplift your mood. Your blocked nose will be cleared after drinking it. Ginger fights digestive and respiratory infections. G<\/span>inger is highly effective in reducing nausea. It can keep blood sugar levels under control. Ginger is very helpful in relieving morning sickness, motion sickness, and upset- stomachs.<\/p>\n

\"Ginger\"<\/p>\n

2. Turmeric<\/h3>\n

Turmeric<\/strong> is an ancient spice cultivated primarily in India. It comes from fingers extended from the root and has rough brown skin and bright orange flesh and is usually boiled or steamed and then dried to give a natural yellow color. It is also known as the Indian Saffron. Incidentally, turmeric plants belong to the ginger family.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: Warm and aromatic with a bitter undertone<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Rhizome<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Traditional Curries, pickles, relishes, and as a culinary dye.<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Turmeric is mild digestive and stimulant carminative. It also works as an antiseptic. In addition, turmeric is used to treat skin disorders and allergies. Above all, Turmeric is rich in curcumin. This chemical usually helps to reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n

\"Turmeric<\/p>\n

ALSO SEE- 15 Best Things to Buy in Kerala<\/a><\/strong><\/center><\/p>\n

3. Star Anise<\/h3>\n

Star Anise<\/strong> is the fruit of a small oriental tree with touched skin and rust color. The stars are available whole or ground to a red-brown powder and the fruit is dried and then graded.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: power and liquorice with a strong and pungent smell<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Fruit<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Chinese Cooking, Sweetmeats, and confectionary<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Star Anise is a common flavouring for medicinal tea. Besides, it relieves flatulence. It is used to fight rheumatism and colic. <\/span>Anise is beneficial for digestion. It can reduce cramps. The oil produced by Star Anise contains terpineol and thymol and anethole. As a result, the oil is good for flu and cough.<\/p>\n

\"Star<\/p>\n

4. Cambodge<\/h3>\n

Cambodge or Kudampuli<\/em><\/strong> is dark purple to black and sticky with curled edges. Cambodge is largely grown in the coastal areas of Kerala and the fruit is halved, dried, and cleaned for processing. The other name of Cambodge is Malabar Tamarind.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: Sour Taste, Slightly Astringent<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Rind<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Used to enhance coconut-based curries and fish curry<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Cambodge has got refrigerant properties. It works best for skin ailments. Cambodge keeps Cholesterol under control. It is used to manufacture anti-obesity drugs because the rind is high in hydroxyl citric acid. Hence it has drawn people\u2019s attention and is extensively used to lose weight.<\/p>\n

\"Cambodge\"<\/p>\n

ALSO SEE- The Rich Culture Of Kerala: Art Forms, Dance, Festivals, Food & More<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

5. Black Pepper<\/h3>\n

Black pepper<\/strong> is the “king of Spices” and is the most popular spice which is indigenous to India and cultivated mostly in Kerala. Black Pepper is the world\u2019s favorite spice, historically known as \u201cBlack Gold\u201d thanks to Roman\u2019s obsession with them as both an ingredient and as a form of commodity money. Black Pepper is widely used because it is rich in vitamins A and C, flavonoids, carotenes, and other antioxidants.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: Pungent and Fiery<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Fruit<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Widely used in food, soups, pasta, salads, Pongal, beverages, and medicines<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Stimulates digestion, relieves constipation. Black Pepper can be taken with Rasam to cure blocked nasal passages and colds. In addition, it improves blood circulation when used with curd and honey.<\/p>\n

\"Black<\/p>\n

6. Cardamom<\/h3>\n

Cardamom<\/strong> is largely grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka and is known as the “Queen of Spices”. It is available in Alleppey Green Extra Bold (AGEB), Alleppey Green Bold (AGB), and Alleppey Green Superior (AGS) and is widely used to provide a rich flavor to food preparations across the world. It is a major ingredient in perfumes, health foods, medicines, and beverages.<\/p>\n

The unique flavor of Kerala’s cardamom finds great demand in the Middle East, Russia, and Japan. Cardamom can be of two types. It can be used as seeds, whole pods, and powder. It is found in the Garam Masala mixture (a blend of various spices). Cardamom can be preserved in a tightly sealed glass jar for as long as six months.
\n<\/span>
\nFlavour<\/em><\/strong>: Warm, Eucalyptine, and lemony undertone.<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Fruit & Seed<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Widely used in food, soups, beverages, and liquor<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Relieves indigestion and is used in Ayurveda treatments and is a breath freshener. It may treat ulcers too.<\/p>\n

\"Cardamom\"<\/p>\n

7. Cloves<\/h3>\n

Cloves<\/strong> are the oldest spice known to the world and it takes nearly 7-8 years for flower buds to appear on the clove tree after it has been planted. Once the unopened flower buds change their colour from green to pink, they are plucked and left to dry for 4-5 days until their colour turns crisp and dark brown. It originated in Indonesia. Clove comes from the Latin word clavus. It means nail. The dried clove resembles a nail.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: Sweet Pungent & Strongly Aromatic.<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Flower Buds<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, and toiletries. Clove oil is used to kill parasites too.<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Used to ease toothache and has antiseptic and antibiotic values. It is very good for oral health. Hence it is added in the manufacture of toothpaste.<\/p>\n

\"Cloves\"<\/p>\n

8. Cinnamon<\/h3>\n

Cinnamon or Cassia<\/strong> is the dried bark of the tropical evergreen tree and is widely used to give a special rich flavour to the dishes. The plant is harvested in May and November every year, after about 3 years of planting. The bark of the plant shoots is split up when the crop is harvested and is then allowed to dry for about 2-5 days. The dry bark is then packed in the form of bundles and readied for trade while its leaves and twigs are used for oil extraction.<\/p>\n

ALSO SEE – 10 Most Famous Spice Gardens In Munnar For A Stimulating Experience!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cinnamon is an important ingredient in making Garam Masala or a mixture of spices. It is available in powdered form too. There are four types of Cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon<\/a> are very popular with their users.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: Warm & Aromatic.<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Bark<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Flavour for both sweet and savouring food, confections, and curries.<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Widely used for indigestion and as a nasal decongestant. Cinnamon Oil helps to treat fungal infections.<\/p>\n

\"Cinnamon\"<\/p>\n

9. Nutmeg<\/h3>\n

Nutmeg<\/strong> is the seed encased in mottled yellow, edible fruit which is cultivated largely in central Kerala. The moist tropical weather of the state is perfect for the growth of this plant that needs to be pollinated by a male tree nearby. Though the tree is ready for commercial use only after 10 years of planting, its fruits start developing by the fifth or sixth year itself. Nutmeg’s seed and its reddish fiber are vital ingredients for a number of medicines.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: Nutty, Warm & slightly sweet.<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Seed<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Used in sweet and spicy dishes. It is added to mulled wine and tea.<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Nutmeg reduces flatulence. It helps increase digestive power. It also enhances appetite quite considerably. People use Nutmeg for the treatment of diarrhea and vomiting.<\/p>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

10. Mace<\/h3>\n

Mace and Nutmeg come from the same tree called Myristica fragrans. Mace is the lacy covering. The lacy coating is known as aril. After maturation, the aril is separated from the fruit. The aril is then kept outside to dry for 10 to 14 days. The colour changes when aril is dried up. You can eat the blades of Mace or can carry out further processing.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: Warm, Sharp & slightly sweeter than nutmeg.<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Aril<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Used in baked foods, sweet and spicy dishes.<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Mace alleviates nausea and vomiting. Moreover, it can increase your appetite. It is also helpful to use Mace for massage to relieve pain.<\/p>\n

\"Mace\"<\/p>\n

11. Alleppey Green Cardamom<\/h3>\n

Alleppey Green Cardamom is a unique type of cardamom that originated in the southern regions of Kerala, especially Alleppey.<\/p>\n

Known to have lesser husk and more seeds than the common cardamom, this exotic variety is cultivated along the slopes of the Western Ghats. It\u2019s a favorite of spice lovers courtesy of its aromatic flavor and has both culinary and medicinal applications.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: Sweet and fragrant with a hint of eucalyptus<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Seeds enclosed in its green pods<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Curries, desserts, and beverages like chai in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines; A key ingredient in garam masala<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Eases digestion; alleviates bloating and indigestion; possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties<\/p>\n

12. Malabar Pepper<\/h3>\n

Malabar Pepper is one of the best spices of Kerala originating from its Malabar region. It\u2019s among the most versatile black pepper varieties in the world with a sharp, hot taste, and a fruity aroma!<\/p>\n

A significant element of Kerala’s extensive spice trade history dating back decades, Malabar Pepper not only enhances the taste of food significantly, its use in Ayurvedic medicines helps in alleviating several ailments.<\/p>\n

Flavour<\/em><\/strong>: Pungent, sharp, warm, and slightly woody<\/p>\n

Part Used<\/em><\/strong>: Dried peppercorns<\/p>\n

Use<\/em><\/strong>: Enhances the taste of dishes like meats, vegetables, and soups; a great component in spice mixes and sauces<\/p>\n

Medicinal value<\/em><\/strong>: Aids digestion; improves nutrient absorption; helps treat cold and cough with its antioxidant properties<\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Spices of Kerala<\/h3>\n

Which Spice is famous in Kerala?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Known as Black Gold, pepper, is the most celebrated of all the spices of Kerala. Its popularity, richness of flavour, and medicinal values helped pepper to get the title of king of spices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which district is the largest producer of spices in Kerala?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Kerala is rightly called the land of spices. In the hill district of Wayanad in Kerala, black pepper is grown in coffee plantations and cultivated on a large scale. Cardamom is grown largely in Kerala in Idukki, Kozhikode, Palghat, and Kannur. Cloves are grown in the Kottayam, Trivandrum, Kozhikode and Kollam districts. <\/span><\/p>\n

Why is Kerala called the land of spices?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Kerala offers a delectable mix of flavours that is a treat for the taste buds. The humid climate along the western coast of India is ideal for crops such as pepper, cashew nuts, nutmeg, and cinnamon, to name a few. Right from Arabs to Portuguese traded with Kerela as the spice grown here is world-class hence it can be called as ‘land of spices’.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which spices were cultivated in Kerala?<\/span><\/h4>\n

Kerala has always been famous for rich and exotic spices. Pepper, Clove, Cardamom, Cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, ginger, turmeric, Cambodge, and tamarind are Indian spices found and grown in Kerala.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kerala is famous for its spices. It prides itself on being the hub of the spice trade in India and has maintained this distinction for thousands of years. History suggests that the ancient Muziris port in Kerala attracted traders worldwide for the spice trade centuries ago. The best spices of Kerala are among the most […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2566,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[46,44,45],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-260","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-alleppey","8":"category-cochin","9":"category-munnar","10":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/260","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=260"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/260\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9686,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/260\/revisions\/9686"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2566"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}