What spices did they use in year 1000-1492?

The spices used in the period between 1000-1492 varied significantly depending on the region and culture. However, some spices were widely traded and used across various parts of the world. Here's a breakdown of some key spices:

From the East:

* Black pepper: A staple in many cuisines, it originated in India and was highly sought after.

* Cinnamon: Also from India, it was used for its aromatic and medicinal properties.

* Cloves: Native to Indonesia, cloves were valued for their pungent flavor and their use in preserving food and as a breath freshener.

* Nutmeg and Mace: These spices, also from Indonesia, were used in sweet and savory dishes and were highly prized for their medicinal benefits.

* Ginger: Grown in India and Southeast Asia, ginger was used for its flavor, medicinal properties, and in preserving food.

* Cardamom: Another spice from India, cardamom was used in sweet and savory dishes and was also believed to have medicinal properties.

* Saffron: A very expensive spice from Persia, saffron was valued for its color and flavor. It was used in dishes, and also for dyeing fabrics.

From the West:

* Cumin: Cultivated in the Mediterranean region, cumin was used in savory dishes.

* Oregano: Widely used in the Mediterranean region, oregano was used in sauces, stews, and meat dishes.

* Rosemary: Also from the Mediterranean, rosemary was used for flavoring food and for its supposed medicinal properties.

* Thyme: Used in cooking and for medicinal purposes, thyme was grown in the Mediterranean region.

* Mustard: From Europe, mustard seeds were used to make a condiment and for flavoring dishes.

* Dill: Native to Europe, dill was used for flavoring food and for its medicinal properties.

* Parsley: Widely used in the Mediterranean region, parsley was used for flavoring food and as a garnish.

Other regions:

* Allspice: Native to the Caribbean, allspice was used in savory and sweet dishes and had medicinal properties.

* Cayenne Pepper: Originating in South America, cayenne pepper was used for its spicy flavor.

* Turmeric: Cultivated in India, turmeric was used in cooking and for its medicinal properties.

Important Considerations:

* Trade Routes: Spices were transported along trade routes, with the Silk Road and the Spice Route playing significant roles in connecting the East and West.

* Cultural Practices: Different cultures used spices in different ways. For example, Indian cuisine used a wider range of spices than European cuisine.

* Availability: The availability of spices varied depending on the region and time period. Some spices were expensive and difficult to obtain, while others were more common.

The importance of spices:

Spices played a crucial role in the lives of people during this period. They were used for flavoring food, preserving food, and for medicinal purposes. Spices also had social and economic importance, as they were traded across vast distances and were used as a form of currency.

This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a general overview of some of the most important spices used in the world between 1000-1492.