5 Expensive Spices with their Medicinal Values

When it comes to the cost of spices, it’s always at the high end due to its limited use and thus cultivation. Mostly all spices are expensive but there are some spices that top the list! Despite it being so expensive, Indian Spices Exporters have established a new milestone in the export of spices in the year 2016-17 by touching 9,47,790 tones.
Let’s have insight into the spices that top the list due to its expensiveness!
Saffron
Saffron comes on the list of most expensive spices that is widely used in various segments. It is mainly cultivated in Greece, Spain, India, and Iran with the premium quality saffron coming from Kashmir. It is also termed as ‘king of spices’ that has been popularly used in more than 4000 years that include Romans, Persians, and Greeks. It’s used for color and to flavor the food, perfume baths, temples, and also used as a medicinal narcotic. It has also found a place in culinary affairs, cosmetics, medicines, and staining. You may find different varieties and brands of this spice, and if you come across any inexpensive saffron, its purity is compromised.
Clove
This spice is native to Indonesia but is also grown in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar. In addition to using it for culinary purpose, clove is also applied as an ant repellant. It ranks 4th most expensive spice which cost $10 per pound in the global market. Having anti-oxidant properties, it reduces the blood sugar level. With its intense aroma, it is mostly used to flavor most Indian dishes, hot beverages, and pies. Its essence is also used in perfumes and its oil is applied in oil as an antiseptic due to its medicinal benefits. It is also a part of Indian Ayurvedic medicine and in China, it is known as a dental painkiller.
Cardamom
Native to India, Guatemala is the largest exporter and producer of cardamom closely followed by India. Due to its labor-intensive harvesting process, the small black seed pods are filled with smoky aroma, which is used for biryanis and curries. The cardamom is used in curries and biryanis and also to spice the sweet dishes. Due to its medicinal value, it is also used in treating gum, teeth and digestive disorders.
Pepper
In ancient times peppercorns, also termed as ‘black gold’, are used as a form of money. Black pepper is mostly traded and used in the culinary art. Due to its hot and pungent spiciness, it costs up to $3 per pound in the global market. It is widely cultivated in South India, but also grown in tropical regions like Vietnam which is the largest product and exporter of this spice. It is used as traditional medicine and as a flavor both in its dried ground form.
Synopsis
Having such a huge business opportunities, masala manufacturers in India have already made a presence felt in the global landscape. Given the present scenario, it is a great opportunity for masala manufactures in India to explore the growing market for spices.