SPICES

It would be more correct to start with the answer to the question of "what is a spice?" Before going into information such as the history, usage areas and benefits of the spice.

Spices are medicinal herbs obtained by drying and grinding parts of the plants such as seeds, flowers, seeds, fruits, bark, roots, leaves in whole or in pieces. Spices can be used individually according to their taste, smell and benefits, or they can be used by mixing many different spices.

Spices; Due to the essential oils and alkaloids they contain, they have a bactericidal effect. Therefore it was started to be used in preserving meat and fish products, which spoiled easily in ancient times, but soon became indispensable for rich people with the understanding of the difference in taste and smell it created in meals.

In ancient times it has been almost as valuable as silver in the world markets because it is very effective even when used in very small amounts and it is both light and easy to carry.

Spices are not only for sweetening foods; but also very important in health, perfume, religious life, magic and ceremonies.

We can say that the history of the spice is intertwined with the history of humanity. It is known that many spices were known, produced and used for various purposes in ancient civilizations. In ancient civilizations spice was used as a medicinal herb in the treatment of indigestion, nausea and pain, colds, fatigue, high sugar and various diseases thanks to its antibacterial properties in the health field.

The most famous physicians of the time, such as Galen and Hippocrates, used spices in medicine.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine; had made very important developments in the field of medicine by making more than 400 medicines with spices and herbs.

In the archaeological studies carried out in Mesopotamia; traces of spices such as cloves, saffron, mustard, fennel and thyme were found.

Spice in ancient times was as valuable as gold and silver. The trade route we know as the Spice Road was named after the spice trade. In fact, new continents were discovered to find alternative routes to the spice trade. Spices still occupy a very important place in our lives and cuisine today.