Many thousands of years ago, primitive hunters, trying to store prey for future use, wrapped it in various leaves and herbs. Depending on which herb was used, the shelf life of the raw product and the taste of the cooked... It was then that our distant ancestors realized that the taste of food depends on what seasoning was used. Since that time, a long history of spices and spices began. Later, spicy plants not only became an integral part of many culinary dishes, but also acquired the status of the most expensive and valuable items of trade. Therefore, the further history of the study, distribution and trade of spices is inextricably linked with political upheavals, intrigues and wars. Just imagine, when the barbarians of King Alaric attacked Rome in 408, they demanded 5,000 pounds of gold and 3,000 pounds of black pepper as tribute - as an even greater jewel! Read this small but very interesting book, and you will learn that the mention of the beneficial properties of spices and spices was found in the writings of Confucius. In London, the Guild of Pepper Merchants was established, which made sure that the spice was not counterfeited. In the 18th century, the French stole nutmeg seeds and secretly planted them in Madagascar, where the nut took root well. Turmeric has a very bright color. With its help, Buddhist monks painted their robes, Indian women - saris, and scammers - butter and cheese...