The inexpensive jars of herbs and spices sitting in our cupboards have a history that is beyond extraordinary. Herbs and spices have been used for flavoring foods, and for treating what ails us for millennia. Historical documents provide evidence for the spice trade in the Middle East over 4,000 years ago! Did you know that:
- In the 16th century, workers were paid bonuses in cloves.
- Roman soldiers were often paid in salt, hence the term salary, and the phrase “worth his salt”.
- Nutmeg was once worth more by weight than gold.