 Zanzibar is often referred as ‘The Spice Island’. It gets this name, not unsurprisingly from the large number of spices that grow on the island. Most of these spices were originally bought by Portuguese traders in the early 16th century from their colonies in India and South America.
Zanzibar became an important producer of spices in the 19th century, especially after the introduction of cloves in 1818. It was Zanzibar’s main source of income after the suspension of the slave trade and for much of the 20th century.
Today spices are less important to Zanzibar’s economy, especially after the collapse of the international price of cloves in the late 1980’s. However, spices are still very important to Zanzibaris who use them to distinctively flavour their food and drinks, as make up and as medicinal remedies.
A trip to one of the spice plantations in the centre of Zanzibar is an educational and very enjoyable experience. As well as finding out about and tasting spices, herbs and fruits, it is an excellent way of discovering, first hand, what rural life is like in Zanzibar.
Some of the herbs and spices are to be found growing wild whilst others are cultivated. The guides are excellent, being informative and interesting.
A wide range of spices, herbs and fruits can be found, including black pepper, cardamon, chillies, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, nutmeg, peppermint, turmeric, vanilla, avocados, bananas, coconuts, breadfruit, grapefruit, guavas, jackfruit, limes, lychees, mangoes, mulberries, oranges, paw paws and pomegranates.
The Spice Tour is an excellent half day visit and we include it in all our itineraries for those guests staying in or near Stone Town. |
