The term spices generically indicates aromatic substances of vegetable origin
(for example tarragon, thyme, lemon balm, juniper, marjoram, saffron) which are
used for aromatize and flavor foods and drinks, and, especially in the past, also used in
medicine and at the pharmacy. The word is "spices" also in the singular (it derives from "species"),
but in family use the "spice" form is also widespread.
Many of these substances also have other uses, for example for the preservation of food,
in rituals religious, cosmetics or perfumery. For example, turmeric is also used in Ayurveda;
licorice has medicinal properties; garlic is used as a vegetable in cooking.

History Spice shop in Morocco
Spices have played an important role in history since their discovery.
In ancient times the use of spices was widespread among the Egyptians, already around 2600 BC
spicy foods were supplied to the workers employed in the construction of the pyramid of Cheops,
the aim was to keep the workers strong, it was in fact thought that the addition of spices protect
against epidemics. Numerous are described in the Ebers papyrus (written around the 16th century BC)
remedies based on aromatic herbs and spices and among the archaeological finds there are traces
of anise, fenugreek, cardamom, cassia, cumin, dill and saffron. Already in this period the great part
of the spices came from India.
In the ancient and medieval world they were among the most valuable products,
which alone justified the opening of new trade routes. For example, in Genesis
(Old Testament), Joseph comes sold into slavery by his brothers to spice merchants.
In the biblical poem Song of Songs, the narrator compares his beloved with different spices.
This is indicative of the great importance assumed by these products since ancient times.
In the Middle Ages the maritime republics of Amalfi, Venice, Gaeta, Pisa, Ancona and Ragusa
played a leading role in the spice trade, from the Orient to Europe.
After the fall of Constantinople into the hands of the Turks (1453) and the consequent interruption of the
commercial route that connected Europe with the East passing through the Italian seaside cities, for
to obtain spices, Europeans began to look for alternative ways. This was the reason
principal for which the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama opened the route to India, and was also one
of the reasons that prompted Christopher Columbus to seek a quick and safe route to the Indies. Columbus
he looked for financiers attracted by the possibility of having new spices to trade. (source Wikipedia)


(selection 2023)