Zanzibar is often referred to as the “Spice Island” due to its rich history of spice production. Embark on a spice tour and visit local spice farms to learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of various spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. You may even decide to purchase spices yourself from the Local Spice Market.
History Of Spices
Zanzibar’s spice production can be traced back to the 9th century when Arab traders from the Middle East began establishing trade routes along the Indian Ocean coast. Back in the day, the Arabs started large spice plantations, which made Zanzibar the world’s biggest exporter of cloves at the time and earned the nickname, The Spice Island. Now Zanzibar is well known for its contribution to the spice industry and holds one the biggest spice markets in the whole world.
About The Spice Tour
Experience the enchanting allure of Zanzibar’s Spice Island heritage by embarking on a spicy tour with Amazzzing Travel. Delve into the island’s fascinating history of spice production and immerse yourself in the fragrant world of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other aromatic treasures. Join a wholesome cooking class and learn from experts. Beyond the sensory delights, a spicy tour with Amazzzing Travel offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s cultural tapestry. Learn about the historical significance of spices in the island’s trade and economy, and the impact they had on shaping the region’s past.
Spices You Will See
Cloves: Zanzibar’s most renowned spice, cloves, are known for their warm, sweet, and aromatic flavor. These dried flower buds add a delightful depth to both savory and sweet dishes, making them an essential ingredient in a wide range of cuisines worldwide. Beyond their culinary appeal, cloves have historical significance as they played a pivotal role in the island’s economy during its spice trade heyday.
Nutmeg: The nutmeg tree produces two valuable spices – nutmeg and mace. Zanzibar’s nutmeg offers a warm and slightly sweet flavor with hints of nuttiness. The dried seeds of the nutmeg fruit are ground into a versatile spice, commonly used in baking, stews, and various desserts. Mace, derived from the red, lacy covering of the seed, has a similar flavor profile and is often used as a complementary spice.
Cinnamon: Zanzibar’s cinnamon boasts a distinctive aroma and a sweet, slightly spicy taste. The inner bark of the cinnamon tree is ground into a fine powder, enhancing both sweet and savory dishes. Its warm and comforting fragrance adds a touch of luxury to baked goods, curries, and beverages.
Black Pepper: Widely recognized as the “King of Spices,” black pepper holds a prominent place in Zanzibar’s spice production. These dried peppercorns have a pungent and mildly spicy flavor, elevating the taste of countless dishes. From enhancing soups and salads to being an essential component of spice blends, black pepper’s versatility makes it a kitchen staple.
Cardamom: Zanzibar’s cardamom is celebrated for its intense, sweet, and slightly citrusy flavor. This aromatic spice is often used to add a unique twist to coffee, desserts, and savory dishes. The green cardamom pods encase tiny black seeds, which are crushed or ground to release their captivating aroma and flavor.
Vanilla: Zanzibar’s vanilla exudes a rich and sweet aroma, making it a sought-after spice in the culinary world. The cured vanilla beans are used to infuse desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes with their distinct flavor. The process of cultivating vanilla is intricate, making it one of the world’s most valuable spices.
Official Comments Of Visitors
“How do I begin with this fantastic experience? The spice tour or cooking? I highly recommend this trip; it was an eye-opener to a different way of living. I learned so much in one swoop!! Luftia is impressive and down to earth, she made a stiff introvert like me feel relaxed and comfortable!! I highly recommend this adventure for anyone who wants a taste of how the locals live!”
“It was absolutely great. There were some troubles regarding the meeting due to telecommunication company having some disruptions, but everything worked out well and we had a great time! It is best to meet at the old fort, but if noone shows up exactly on time do not panic as the tele. companies do not have the best network, so outages can happen… All in all, I recommend! The prices for spices at the end were great too, ranging from 5k-20k shillings for big packs (compared to storebought).
“This was a fantastic experience!!! Lutfia made it easy to schedule a pick up from our hotel on the north side of the island, we had a custom menu, great insights at the market and it is clear she has such a great energy and character. Would 100% recommend for a great experience in Zanzibar!”
All comment have been selected from the official Airbnb website
For other experiences in Zanzibar you can visit the Amazzzing Travel website.