Tips on how to Discover the Indian Ocean By way of Its Spices

Nowadays, most of us take spices with no consideration — a pinch of cinnamon in porridge, black pepper over pasta or cumin stirred right into a curry. Yet for hundreds of years these on a regular basis components formed the course of historical past. The commerce in black pepper facilitated cultural and financial intermixing between historic Rome and India, whereas camels pulled frankincense caravans throughout the deserts that separated Africa and Asia, taking with them concepts, recipes, music and language. Today, these influences can nonetheless be felt in lots of international locations, providing an interesting, and sometimes scrumptious, theme by way of which to discover a spot.

Browse the Spice Souks of Muscat, Oman

Located on the Arabian Sea between Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the UAE, the seafaring nation of Oman has lengthy been a hyperlink between East Africa, India and Southeast Asia. That story is informed within the spice part of Muttrah Souk, the Omani capital’s historic lined market, the place technicolour cones of powdered ginger, turmeric and cumin sit alongside piles of frankincense rocks, bundled strands of saffron, and fewer acquainted gadgets like loomi — black, sun-dried limes.

The air hangs notably heavy with the scent of frankincense, which Omanis use to fragrance their houses, vehicles and conventional robes. Grown within the southern Omani area of Dhofar, in addition to within the Horn of Africa, frankincense has lengthy performed an important position in Oman’s spice commerce networks, alongside cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. You can study all about Oman’s spice-route historical past — and pattern the scrumptious methods during which it influences fashionable Omani delicacies — on a meals tour with 365 Adventures. Visiting the house of a neighborhood household in Muscat, you’ll sip cardamom espresso and study the time-honoured methods behind a wide range of conventional dishes.