The History and Use of Spices
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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason the overland caravan trade routes became dangerous?

  • Increased demand for spices
  • Profiteering (correct)
  • Political instability
  • Natural disasters

Vasco de Gama discovered an alternative sea trade route to India in 1599.

False (B)

Which companies broke the Portuguese monopoly on spice trade in the 1600s?

The British and Dutch

The Mint Family is primarily known for its __________ herbs and low woody shrubs.

<p>perennial</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which member of the mint family is commonly used in Italian cooking?

<p>Oregano (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Essential oils from the Mint Family are only used as cooking flavorings.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following mint family members with their primary uses:

<p>Rosemary = Cooking and cosmetics Thyme = Cooking and garnishing Oregano = Italian cuisine Mint = Flavors in foods and beverages</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country is NOT mentioned as a major producer of black pepper?

<p>Thailand (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two major hot pepper types mentioned?

<p>Tabasco and habanero</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which spice is known for combining the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg?

<p>Allspice (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the spice with its primary origin:

<p>Ginger = India and southern China Allspice = Central America and the Caribbean Vanilla = Central and South America Cardamom = India</p> Signup and view all the answers

Artificial vanilla is derived from natural vanilla beans.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What part of the vanilla plant is used to extract the flavor?

<p>mature fruit or 'bean'</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which herb is widely used as a seasoning for roasted meats?

<p>Sage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oregano is preferred in northern Italy while marjoram is preferred in the south.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sage contains a neurotoxic volatile oil called ______.

<p>thujone</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mint species is mainly used for menthol extraction?

<p>Peppermint (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following herbs with their primary usage:

<p>Basil = Enhancing flavor of pasta sauces Sage = Seasoning poultry stuffing Spearmint = Refreshing tea Peppermint = Flavoring candies and desserts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which herb is known for its distinctive 'soapy' taste?

<p>Cilantro (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Field mint is exclusively used in European cooking.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ family includes economically important spices such as caraway and fennel.

<p>Carrot</p> Signup and view all the answers

What preparation is often associated with Angelica stems in cooking?

<p>Candied in sugar</p> Signup and view all the answers

The fruit of the carrot family is known as a __________.

<p>schizocarp</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following spices with their primary usage:

<p>Parsley = Garnish and seasoning in various dishes Dill = Seasoning and garnish, especially for fish Coriander = Ingredient in curry powders and spice mixtures Fennel = Used by Ancient Egyptians as a spice</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary culinary use of Cilantro?

<p>Seasoning various global cuisines (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fennel is a biennial herb native to North America.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which herb from the Carrot family is commonly used as a seasoning in French cooking?

<p>Chervil</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary chemical substances responsible for the flavors and aromas of spices?

<p>Aromatic terpenoids/monoterpenes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Spices were primarily used in food for flavor enhancement during the Dark Ages.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which city became the main distributor of exotic spices from the trans-Asian Spice Trade?

<p>Venice</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Roman conquests introduced __________ spices to northern Europe.

<p>Mediterranean</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical events with their significance in spice trade:

<p>Crusades = Spread of spices to Europe Fourth Crusade = Sacking of Constantinople Marco Polo's expeditions = Introduction of Indian and East Asian spices to Europe Venetian merchants = Key role in spice distribution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a reason spices were initially used in food?

<p>To add nutritional value (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The wealth from the spice trade contributed to Venice's cultural and artistic developments.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Venetian merchants play in the Fourth Crusade?

<p>They requested military assistance from the Crusaders when they couldn't pay for transport.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following spices is known for its strong spicy flavor and is more commercially important?

<p>Chinese cinnamon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Saffron is derived from the fruit of the saffron crocus plant.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main culinary use of cloves?

<p>Culinary spice</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nutmeg and _____ both come from the fruit of a magnoliid tree native to the Banda Islands.

<p>mace</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following spices with their descriptions:

<p>Saffron = Styles from flowers Cinnamon = Bark from Cinnamomum trees Cloves = Dried, unopened flower buds Black Pepper = Fermented and dried green peppercorns</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which spice is often used as a local anaesthetic for toothaches?

<p>Cloves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mace is more commonly used than nutmeg in cooking.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which plant variety is used to produce true cinnamon?

<p>Cinnamomum verum</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are spices?

Spices are plant parts like fruits, seeds, leaves, or rhizomes used in cooking to add flavor and aroma.

What gives spices their flavor?

Spices get their flavor from chemical substances, mainly aromatic terpenoids like essential oils.

What are terpenoids?

Terpenoids are a type of compound found in plants that gives them their characteristic flavors and scents.

How are spice flavors released?

Crushing, cutting, or cooking plants releases the terpenoids, giving off their unique aromas.

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Why were spices used historically?

Spices were used to mask spoilage odors, enhance flavor, and even as natural preservatives and medicine.

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How did the Crusades impact the spice trade?

They led to the spread of spices from the East into Europe, making them more accessible.

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What role did Venice play in the spice trade?

Venice became a major distributor of spices from Asia, leading to its wealth and cultural influence.

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What did Europe exchange for spices?

Europe traded grains, glass, wine, and woolen cloth for spices like black pepper.

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Spice Trade Routes

Routes used for transporting spices from Asia to Europe, historically involving overland caravans and later sea routes.

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Vasco da Gama's Discovery

In 1499, Vasco da Gama found a sea route around Africa, providing an alternative to dangerous overland spice trade routes.

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Portuguese East India Company

A company that initially held a monopoly on the spice trade from India and East Asia.

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Dutch East India Company

A company that broke the Portuguese monopoly on the spice trade and colonized the Dutch East Indies ( Indonesia).

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British East India Company

A company that challenged the Portuguese and Dutch, controlling the Malay peninsula (Malaysia) and establishing spice plantations.

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Mint Family (Lamiaceae)

A large plant family known for fragrant essential oils found in its leaves. Many species are used as spices.

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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

A woody shrub with pungent leaves used as a spice in cooking. Its essential oil is popular in cosmetics and perfumes.

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Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

A highly aromatic shrub with tiny leaves used in various dishes and as a garnish.

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What is Marjoram used for?

Marjoram is a herb used for seasoning in dishes like meats, stews and soups, similar to oregano.

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What is Sage known for?

Sage is a herb with a pungent and slightly bitter flavor, often used in roasted meats and poultry stuffing. However, its use should be moderated due to the presence of a neurotoxic volatile oil, thujone.

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How is Basil used in cooking?

Basil is an herb with a sweet-pungent flavor, known for enhancing the taste of pasta sauces, salads, soups and meat dishes. It's also a key ingredient in pesto sauce.

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What is Peppermint used for?

Peppermint is a member of the Mint family known for its "cooling" flavor and its use for extracting menthol, which is commonly used in candies, desserts, pharmaceuticals and even cigarettes.

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What are some other spices in the Mint family?

Other spices within the Mint family include summer savory, winter savory, and perilla. Summer and winter savory have thyme-like and mint-like flavors, while perilla, native to East Asia, is used in Korean and Japanese cuisine.

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What is Carrot Family known for?

The Carrot Family is not only a source of vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and celery but also includes several economically important spices.

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What is Thujone?

Thujone is a neurotoxic volatile oil found in sage, meaning it can affect brain function if consumed in excessive amounts.

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What is Menthol?

Menthol is a flavoring agent extracted from peppermint and field mint, known for its characteristic "cooling" sensation.

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Parsley

A biennial herb native to the Mediterranean, used as a garnish and in soups, salads, stews, and meat dishes.

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Dill

An annual herb native to the East Mediterranean, used for its leaves (dill weed) and fruit (dill seed).

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Cilantro

The leaves of the coriander plant, known for its distinctive "soapy" taste, used in Asian, Indian, Central American, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

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Coriander

The fruit of the coriander plant, used as a spice in Asian and Indian cooking, often found in curry powders and other spice mixtures.

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Angelica

A large biennial herb native to Eurasia, used for its candied leaf stalks and roots for flavoring beverages.

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Schizocarp

The type of fruit found in the Carrot family, consisting of a thin, hard, striated pericarp fused to the seed.

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Fennel

A perennial herb native to the Mediterranean, used for both its leaves and fruit as a spice.

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Carrot Family

A family of plants including parsley, dill, cilantro, coriander, angelica, chervil and lovage, known for their aromatic properties and culinary uses.

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Saffron

The dried styles from flowers of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), known for its unique flavor and vibrant yellow-orange color.

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False Saffron

Spices like turmeric (Indian saffron) and safflower that offer similar color and flavor to saffron but are less expensive.

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Cinnamon

The inner bark of cinnamon trees, harvested, dried, and powdered to create a warm, sweet, and spicy flavor.

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Cassia Cinnamon

A type of cinnamon from the cinnamon tree species Cinnamomum cassia, known for its strong spicy flavor and affordability.

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True Cinnamon

A type of cinnamon from the cinnamon tree species Cinnamomum verum, known for its subtle flavor and the way the inner bark curls into sticks when dried.

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Cloves

Dried, unopened flower buds of the clove tree, used as a spice in cooking and for medicinal purposes.

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Nutmeg

The grated seed from the nutmeg tree, used as a warm, pungent spice in cooking.

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Mace

The dried aril (covering) of the nutmeg seed, used as a delicate, aromatic spice.

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Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

A rhizome spice native to India and southern China, used for thousands of years as a spice and medicine. It can be used fresh or dried as powder. Ginger is a monocot propagated from rhizome cuttings.

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Turmeric

A yellow spice from India, obtained by powdering the dried rhizome. It is widely used in Asia and imparts a bright yellow color to dishes. Similar to saffron, but more yellow.

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Cardamom

A pungent spice indigenous to India, popular in Indian cooking. Both the seeds and the ripened fruit are used. The seeds can be ground into powder.

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Allspice (Pimenta dioica)

A commercially important spice native to the Americas. The unripe dried berries combine the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

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Cayenne Peppers (Capsicum frutescens)

A spice native to Central and South America, popular worldwide. Types include Tabasco and habanero, with habanero being one of the hottest. Milder varieties include jalapeno.

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Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)

A flavorful spice extracted from a vine in the Orchid family. Native to Central and South America, but grown in Southeast Asia and Africa. Natural vanilla comes from the mature fruit or "bean."

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What is the difference between natural and artificial vanilla?

Natural vanilla is extracted from the mature fruit of a vanilla vine and contains vanillin and other compounds, producing a complex flavor. Artificial vanilla is made from wood pulp and lacks the depth of flavor found in natural vanilla.

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What is paprika?

A spice made by drying and grinding mild chili peppers.

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Study Notes

Spices and Flavorings

  • Spices are plant parts (fruits, seeds, leaves, or rhizomes) used to add flavor and aroma to food.
  • Spice flavors and aromas come from aromatic terpenoids (essential oils).
  • Crushing, cutting, or cooking plants releases these oils.
  • Spices were initially used as preservatives, antimicrobials, and for medicinal properties.
  • They masked spoiled food smells and enhanced bland dishes.

Spices in History

  • Roman conquests introduced Mediterranean spices to Northern Europe.

  • During the Dark Ages (641-1096 CE), locally grown spices were primarily used.

  • The Crusades (641-1096 AD) expanded spice trade.

  • Venetian merchants played a vital role in the spice trade, notably after the sacking of Constantinople (1204)

  • The spice trade involved exchange with India, China, and the Arabian Peninsula for European goods (grains, glass, wine, and cloth).

  • Marco Polo's expeditions (1269-1294) exposed Europe to new spices.

  • Overland caravan routes were dangerous and expensive, making spice supply unreliable

  • Vasco de Gama's discovery of an alternative sea route (1499) from Europe to India and East Asia drastically changed spice trade.

  • Portuguese East India Company initially controlled the black pepper trade, but Dutch and British companies later broke that monopoly.

  • By the mid-1800s, Dutch and British plantations established more reliable spice supply, making them more available and affordable.

Spices of Temperate Regions

  • Mint (Lamiaceae) Family: includes mainly perennial herbs and low woody shrubs.
    • Contains fragrant "minty" essential oils in specialized leaf cells.
    • Economically important Mint Family spices originated in the Mediterranean.
    • Essential oils used in cosmetics and industry; sometimes used fresh, sometimes dried.
  • Rosemary: Woody Mediterranean shrub with sharp pungent leaves; used in cooking and cosmetics.
  • Thyme: Highly aromatic low shrub; used in various dishes, soups, stews, etc. as a garnish.
  • Oregano: Indigenous to Eurasia, pungent perennial herb used in Italian cooking.
  • Sage: Herbaceous perennial with strong pungent flavour, used as seasoning for roasted meats and in poultry stuffing.
  • Basil: Widely distributed annual herb; native to Africa, India, and Southeast Asia; used in pasta sauces, salads, etc.
  • Mints (Mentha spp.): Perennial herbs; important spices like spearmint, peppermint, and field mint (used as a potherb or tea). Peppermint oil is used for menthol extraction.

Spices of Tropical Regions

  • Cinnamon: derived from small side shoots of Cinnamonum trees in eastern Asia (Chinese/Cassia or Sri Lankan).
  • Cloves: Dried unopened flower buds from a Southeast Asian tree, popular in Asian and European cooking. Anaesthetic and disinfectant.
  • Nutmeg and Mace: From the fruit of a magnoliid tree in the Banda Islands (Indonesia); nutmeg is used widely in cooking, and mace is less commonly used.
  • Black Pepper: From a magnoliid vine native to India, fermented and dried; used in many dishes.
  • Ginger: Used fresh or dried; important in Asian cooking; has medical applications as well.
  • Allspice: Tropical spice with flavor of other spices; native to Central America and Caribbean.
  • Chili/Cayenne Peppers: Mild to hot chili peppers are used in various ways (fresh, dried, or pickled); native to Central and South America.
  • Vanilla: from a monocot perennial vine native to Central and South America (also grown in SE Asia, Africa); flavor extracted from mature beans. Artificial vanilla is a cheaper alternative with less complex flavor.

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