Spices come as fruits, berries, flowers, seeds, barks and roots.
They usually grow and thrive in the tropical regions of the world, although some are found in temperate parts too.
Most of the spices come out of the South East Asian part of the globe.
Some spices like vanilla, various chilies and allspice are indigenous to Central America,
but have been cultivated extensively in other parts of the world.
Herbs are sometimes considered spices, especially when they produce seeds and stamens like dill and saffron.
The sources of flavors of spices are contained in their essential oils that are concentrated when they are dried.
Drying spices enables the longevity of the product and therefore can be transported across the oceans, thousands of miles away from its origin making it the most sought after commodity in human history.
Spices have connected humans across the globe, caused countless wars, indirectly leading Columbus to the discovery of the New World and made the world a 'smaller' place.
It is prized not just for its flavors but most especially for it health and curative powers.
Most of our favorite foods are made special because of spices.
The cinnamon roll would be lost without cinnamon, and apple pie is made delicious with that extra bit of cinnamon or allspice.
Clove revolutionized dentistry as it is a natural analgesic and antiseptic.
It is also used for the common cold, bronchitis and has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Ginger was and is stilled used for circulatory conditions, colds and rheumatism.
Turmeric has been used for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer.
Human civilization depended on spices and herbs for their survival.
It enabled for preservation of food, and used substitution for money in trade and taxation and embalming of the dead.
Once, only for the rich and privileged, spices are now widely available to practically all economic brackets.
The irony of scarcity and rarity of spices changed human history.
It brought about a global community that shares the desire of same food flavors and health benefits.
Now in abundance and availability, the spice world is going through its own renaissance as more people on the planet re-discover that it is not just about flavoring food but rather the hidden health benefits for life management.
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