Known as the “Spice Island,” Sri Lanka’s history is very closely tied to herbs and spices, and the regions that grew and used them. The island’s spices are famous for being a rich source of colours and scents of all kinds, which were valued as much for their medicinal as for their culinary qualities. In this detailed exploration of Sri Lanka’s most famous herbs and spices, I explore the historical roots and cultural meaning behind these spices, as well as their uses in the kitchen and how they benefit our health.
Context on Sri Lankan Spices in History
Originating from the isle, the history of spices in Sri Lanka spans for 2,500 years, the most famous one being cinnamon. In the ancient times Sri Lanka was an important port of the historic spice trade connecting eastern and the western worlds. Spices on the island were so sought after that many traders from around the world, such as Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Portuguese, Dutch, and British showed up to trade; all left an imprint of their own on the spice cultivation and, most distinctly, the local culture.
Sri Lanka’s Spice Gardens
Having a tropical climate and rich soil; Sri Lanka provides the best environment for various spices to grow. There are also spice gardens on the island which serve to attest to the very diversity and abundance of the flora. These gardens are also hubs for education and the conservation of traditional spice related knowledge.
Cinnamon: The Crown Jewel
Of all Sri Lanka’s spices, one of the most famous is certainly cinnamon, which is an indigenous plant to the island. True cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is sweeter and lighter in colour than its more readily available sibling, Cassia. Cinnamon involves a gentle preparation: the bark is laboriously peeled and prepared by skilled laborers and rolled into cinnamon sticks, the classic candies.
Cardamom: The Aromatic Spice
Another prized Sri Lankan spice is, of course, green cardamom, used in both sweet and savoury dishes. The dried seeds of an Asian plant in the same family as ginger is harvested for the spice and it’s known for its highly aromatic, warm, slightly sweet flavor. Sri Lankan curries are known to rely upon cardamom and the Ceylon tea is famed for its use of the spice.
Black Pepper: The King of Spices
Sri Lanka’s ‘Gam Miris’, or black pepper, is important in local cuisine. Not only does it add heat, but depth of flavor, too, to dishes. Sri Lankan black pepper is a famous variety globally, because the rich volcanic soil of the island gives the pepper a rich taste.
Turmeric: The Golden Spice
The antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties of turmeric, gives it a bright yellow hue beyond its taste. In Sri Lankan cuisine turmeric is a common ingredient in curries which is what gives it its golden color.
Other Notable Spices
Cloves: Both the sweet and the savoury dishes of clove in Sri Lanka are mostly harvested in the central highlands. Spice has an intense aroma and strong sweet pungent flavour.
Nutmeg and Mace: Nutmeg and mace come from the fruit of the nutmeg tree, but the latter is the seed covering, while the former is just the seed. Baking, cooking, and in making traditional medicine they are used.
Fennel Seeds: Fennel seeds, used commonly in Sri Lankan cooking to sweeten the dish is thought to assist in digestion system.
Medicinal Uses of Spices
In addition to their culinary uses many Sri Lankan spices also have medicinal properties, which have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. For instance, cinnamon is utilized to deal with diabetes and gastrointestinal issues while turmeric functions as a strong anti inflammatory food. Cardamom and cloves are used by local healers to treat dental and respiratory conditions, too.
Culinary Delights: Why Spices should integrate into Sri Lankan Cuisine
There is nothing like Sri Lankan cuisine; marvelous rich aromatic curries, delicious rice dishes, heavenly snacks, all spiced with an abundance of spices this island nation possesses. The generous use of spices gives a wide range of flavors from sweet, only slightly, to downright hot. Traditionally, a curry powder blend will include coriander, cumin, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom — among other spices — and is used in a variety of local dishes.
Best Places to Get Herbs and Spices
1. Colombo’s Pettah Market
Southeast of the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, you can find Pettah Market, a vibrant bazaar bursting with color and the various things it contains, but one kind you will find in abundance are spices. There’s freshly ground curry powders here, or whole spices like cloves, cardamom and pepper. It’s a lively market with the clanging din of vendors, punctuated by the rhythmic churning of bargaining buyers, that comes to life from the smell of fresh spices alone.
2. Kandy Central Market
Slightly cooler climate, which is perfect for growing spices makes Kandy, Sri Lanka’s heart, quite an attractive place to live. As the Kandy Central Market is a familiar place for locals and tourists, spices are provided when fresh and of good quality. Famous for its spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla among others, which it uses to bring it’s food to life and is imported directly from the nearby estates.
3. Galle Fort
Besides being famous for its architectural heritage, the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also boasts boutique shops selling a hand picked variety of spices. Many of these shops sell pre packaged spices which make very good gifts or souvenirs. Located mostly around the island, these spices are all sold here and are known for their purity and authenticity.
4. Matale Spice Gardens
Being one of the spice garden regions, Matale region offers a true spice experience. Guided tours are offered to visitors who want to learn about many different spices’ growth, harvest, and uses. Spices are usually sold directly to visitors from these gardens for high quality and fresh. New Ranweli Spice Garden and the Tropical Spice Garden come complete with educational tours to help spice up the shopping experience.
5. Fact, Dambulla Dedicated Spice Shops
A cluster of dedicated spice shops lie near the famous Dambulla Cave Temples. They are shops with spices, selling a large assortment, from common Sri Lankan spices to unusual mixes. In these shops the staff is usually very well educated and can offer great tips on what spices are used to achieve what, and in the case of what spices are best used in which dishes, recipes and which will enhance specific meals.
6. Negombo Spice Street
Not far from the international airport, tourists who are on a last minute spice purchasing spree can stop by Negombo. The town, however, boasts a street famously known as ‘Spice Street’ whereby different sellers are selling local spices at reasonable prices. This provides easy and efficient shopping supported with the advantage of being near the airport.
7. Local Supermarkets
If you are someone who wants to try a more streamlined shopping experience there are around thousands of local supermarkets across Sri Lanka that carry spice such as Keells Super, Cargills Food City, or Arpico Supercentre. Spices are sold in bulk or in consumer friendly packets, these supermarkets meet wide range of needs and preferences.
8. Online Spice Retailers
Many local spice businesses have now started selling their products online due to the digital age. These retailers have websites and social media platforms which put their spice catalogues in detail (covering description and uses) at your usage. This is a good option if you would like to buy genuine Sri Lankan spices from afar, or do some research before coming over.
Conclusion
The cultural DNA of Sri Lanka is steeped with the herbs and spices used there. These continue to influence local cuisine not only but also local community health practices and economy. The spices of Sri Lanka are making a unique mark due to its unique quality and traditional attraction with the increasing global interest in natural and organic products. Visiting a local spice garden, trying a traditional Sri Lankan meal or using these spices at home are all ways in which to indulge in the flavors of Sri Lanka.
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