Preface ( Editorial) - Chemistry of Spices

Abstract

Spices are woven into the history of nations. The desire to possess and monopolize the spice trade has, in the past, compelled many a navigator to find new routes to spice-producing nations. In the late 13th century, Marco Polo’s exploration of Asia established Venice as the most important trade port. Venice remained prosperous until about 1498. Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama sailed around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope to reach Calicut, India. He returned with pepper, cinnamon, ginger and jewels, and also deals for the Portuguese to continue trade with India.