Mixing Spices to Create Great Meals

Entering any grocery store, it is hard to imagine spices as a valuable commodity. The multitude of spices available is both astonishing and overwhelming. Bulk spices are available from companies like Tones and McCormick Spices. However, history shows the intrinsic value placed on a variety of spices in ancient times. Once used to flavor bland and spoiling food, the spice trade was a booming business. Once considered the world's most valuable spice, cinnamon dates back to biblical times. In the first century AD, ancient Rome placed the value of cinnamon even higher than gold and silver. It is claimed that the Arabs made up stories to protect their monopoly. In ancient times, the Chinese were required to sweeten their breath with cloves before speaking with the Emperor.The Romans introduced spices throughout Europe, and later the Spanish brought spices to the New World. Considering the growing obesity problem and sugar's new position as the most purchased spice, perhaps a review of spices and their uses will once again highlight their values.