The story of Indian Spices goes back to 7000 years into the past. It is chequered history of lands discovered or destroyed, kingdoms built or brought down, wars won or lost, treaties made or flouted, favours sought or offered.

Today Indian Spices hold the same spell. Within the past ten years the international trade in spices has grown by leaps and bounds. An estimated 500,000 tonnes of spices and herbs valued at 1500 million US dollars are now imported  globally every year. An impressive one fourth of this supply comes from India. India's exports of spice extracts have shown spectacular growth attaining over 50 percent of the global market within a short span.
Over the past decade, the Indian Spices industry has made quality the cutting edge of its global game plan.

In recent years, export of Indian Spices has been taking giant leaps. The Indian export of spices has cr ossed the 350 million US dollar mark during 1997-98. This remarkable achievement is born of a sea change in the industry scenario. From traditional commodity exports, Indian Spices have evolved into a state-of-the-art industry.

The Spices Board India (Ministry of Commerce, Government of India) is the apex body for the export promotion of Indian Spices. Established in 1987, the Board is the catalyst of these dramatic transitions. The Board has been with the Indian Spice industry every step of the way. The Board plays a far reaching and influential role as a developmental, regulatory and promotional agency for Indian Spices.

Here is a brief history and description of some of the most widely used Indian spices by the world-