When Spice Ruled The World

“Whoever controls the spice controls the universe.” -Baron Harkonen

The Egyptians Their obsession with the afterlife drove their discoveries of the use of spices in mummification / perfumes and the cultivation of crops like garlic to ensure a healthy workforce for the pyramids.

The Romans Their love of luxury and sensational feasts that often lasted several days, informed their desire for exotic foods and expensive imported spices.

The Romans Emperor Nero is said to have commanded that the funeral pyre for his wife be made of cinnamon. Something that would cost over several billion dollars in today’s currency.

The spanish The Spanish Empire was driven by it’s monarch’s lust for power and treasure. After the unification of the Iberian Peninsula, the Spanish expanded into the first true world empire. By 1550, it had colonies in Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas and they dominated Europe. The Spanish trade routes brought gold to Spain, maize to Africa, chilies to Asia, and oranges and horses to America, while the Spanish nobility zealously guarded the secret of chocolate for many years.

The spice trade and the Age of Exploration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pts41PJXZYs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pts41PJXZYs

Today Through the allure of our political and economic position, the US has attracted immigrants from around the world, nurturing a uniquely diverse ethnic grouping of ethnic and regional cuisine. What types of foods are available in Orem, UT? The Chinese emergence on the world food stage is exemplified by it’s growing domination of manufacturing and food exports. Through inexpensive garlic imports, China has reduced the market share of CA garlic growers and now dominates the US garlic market.

What made spice so valuable? In ancient times, it was only locally produced. There was no refrigeration. Meat had to be salted to preserve it. Crops were only harvested once a year. Transportation took forever and was super expensive.

spices were often more valuable than gold! Black Pepper The English used it as currency in Medieval times. Salt The French had a special tax on salt. The original word for salary comes from the French word for salt, sel.

Before the 16th century Europeans did not have access to: Tomatoes, potatoes or avocados Corn, beans, squash, peanuts Vanilla or chocolate Chilis Only VERY limited access to sugar Their diet was based on plants like wheat and meat was only consumed by the socially elite.

Before the 16th century Peoples of the Americas did not have access to: Small domesticated animals like sheep, cows, pigs Horses The American diet consisted mainly of farmed plants, fish, small insects, even pond algae and opportunistic hunting.

1492 Prior to 1492 not ONE food crop had crossed the Atlantic. Columbus’ “discovery” of the Americas resulted in an exchange of both culture and food. This “Columbian exchange” DOUBLED the number of food crops available in Europe. Many crops naturally settled in the areas they’re known for today: Tomatoes – Italy, Potatoes – Ireland Chilies – Spain

impact of the columbian exchange The adoption of the “new”, more nutritious crops like potatoes led to larger, better fed populations. The increase in European population assisted in the advance of the Industrial Revolution. Using horses, the Indians were able to hunt big game more efficiently and helped the Plains Indians to defend their land during the 19th century.

spices come in many forms Buds, roots, tree bark, seeds, flower stigma Can you match the following? saffron, cinnamon, cumin, clove, ginger

preserving spice Most spices are dried. Drying removes water. It leaves the essentail oils, allowing naturally occurring enzymes to create flavor. Vanilla, clove, allspice, peppercorns

bibliography https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pts41PJXZYs http://www.slideshare.net/Kfitz321/all-about- spices?related=1