Did you know that the word “spice” derives from the Latin species and refers to an item of special value? That’s because seasonings like cinnamon, cassia or cardamom were items of great value in the earliest evolution of trade and found their way to Middle East since 4.000 BC. Spices were not only used as food seasoning, but also for medical and religious reasons. Initially, the spice trade was conducted mostly by camel caravans over land routes, such as the Silk Road and it was the world’s largest industry for many centuries. Arab traders artfully withheld the true sources of their spices, spreading fantastic tales about their origin and quality. Today, spices like cumin, cloves, and cardamom remain popular in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be found in several spice bazaars, “waiting” to please even the most demanding palate!