Spices have been used since ancient times, and in many different cultures and parts of the world. They have been used both as food and medicine, and flavoring, for thousands of years. But where are spices grown in India? The answer depends on which type of spices we are talking about.
India is a land of spices and has always been a land of amazing cuisine. Our ancestors had discovered some of the best spices while others were traded and brought to India, These spices are the reason why India though one land has so many cuisines. The kind of cuisine you taste in south India is totally in contrast to what you will get to see in the north. While east and west have their own unique tastes.
While in olden times many spices were traded for the ones that are naturally grown in India, the concept of the spice trade and finding new spice routes has declined over the years. India has over time become not only a self-sufficient country but also an exporter of spices that were once not even grown in India.
If you want to know where spices are grown in India then here’s a list of some of the most liked spices in our cuisine and where they are grown in India. Spices production in India state-wise is a great statistic to know.
List of Spices Production in India State Wise
| Spices | States of India |
| Pepper | Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu. |
| Cardamom (Small) | Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu. |
| Cardamom (Large) | Sikkim, West Bengal. |
| Ginger | Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Mizoram, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand. |
| Turmeric | Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala, Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, |
| Chilli | Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal. |
| Coriander | Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal. |
| Cumin | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh |
| Fennel | Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
| Fenugreek | Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, |
| Celery | Uttar Pradesh, Punjab |
| Clove | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. |
| Nutmeg & Mace | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. |
| Cinnamon & Cassia | Kerala, Tamil Nadu. |
| Saffron | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Aniseed | Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Uttaranchal. |
| Vanilla | Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu. |
| Garlic | Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Bihar. |
| Ajowan | Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir. |
| Dill Seed | Gujarat, Rajasthan. |
| Kokam | Karnataka. |
| Mustard | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh. |
| Tejpat | Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim. |
| Pomegranate seed | Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu. |
| Herbal & Exotic Spices | Tamil Nadu. |
| Cambodge | Kerala, Karnataka. |
Where are Spices Grown in India?
1. Pepper
Pepper is called the ‘king of spices’ and is the most commercial crop produced in India. It is grown in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This tropical plant needs temperatures between 10°C and a maximum of 30°C temperature. This crop also needs a well-distributed rainfall between 200-300 cm. Since it is a vine it needs a stronger tree for support. After Indonesia, India is the second-largest producer of pepper. The largest of its production comes from the Kannur district of Kerala.
2. Cardamom
The queen of aromatic spices as it is generally known as this spice is mainly used for medicinal purposes and for flavoring. Cardamom needs high heat and a humid climate. It is grown largely in Kerala in Idukki, Kozhikode, Palghat, and Kannur. In Karnataka, it is produced in Hassan, Chikmagalur, Kodagu. While in Tamil Nadu, it is cultivated in Salem, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Nilgiris, and Ramanathapuram.
3. Chilies
Chilies need temperatures like that of pepper and moderate rainfall for their growth. The best thing about different types of chilies is that they can grow on a variety of soil. Andhra Pradesh is the most chili-consuming region, these are mainly grown in Guntur, Warangal, Prakasam, East and West Godavari, and Khammam. Besides, they are also cultivated in Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal.
4. Ginger
The medicinal properties of ginger are the reason why it is used in many dishes and also in medicines. Ginger is grown in tropical and subtropical regions that require 10° to 25 °C temperature. You will be amazed to know that India is the largest producer of Ginger in the world contributing to up to 80% of the total supply. Mizoram, Meghalaya, Kerala, Sikkim, and West Bengal are the major producers while Kerala is the largest producer among them.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most important and must-have spices in an Indian household. The uses of turmeric are vast. It is used in dyes, medicines, and in foods. It needs well-drained sandy and clay soil. It also grows in red, medium black, or alluvial soils. India is also a major producer of turmeric in the world. Andhra Pradesh produces the largest amounts accounting for nearly half the total production of turmeric in the country. It is grown in Guntur, Cuddapah, Mysore, Belgaum, Coimbatore, Orissa, and in other places like Maharashtra, Tripura, Bihar, and Assam.
6. Coriander
It is one of the most loved spices especially when it comes to garnishing dishes. In India, coriander is produced mainly in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Other places where coriander is grown are Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
7. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is amazing both as a leafy vegetable and the seeds. It has great health benefits and in India, it is widely grown in Rajasthan. Uttaranchal, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are also other places where it is grown. This crop is mainly grown in the winter season.
8. Mustard
It is another majorly grown crop in India. Mustard is a must-have ingredient in every spice box. Mustard/Kala Sarso is grown in Bihar, Assam, Orissa, West Bengal, and Punjab. Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are other places where this crop is grown.
9. Garlic
Garlic is an ingredient used in almost all dishes across the globe. It is grown in soils that have rich humus and are drained and loamy. The land should be fertile and pH neutral. Garlic is grown in various parts of India in Gujarat, Orissa, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Gujarat is the leading producer. It is also a great low-maintenance cash crop.
India has been a rich crop-producing country for many years now. There are plenty of crops grown in our country that have glorified our agricultural past and have. Our country exports a variety of spices across the globe. Some of the best Indian spices are used right from food to medicines.
Many Indian herbs and spices have some amazing health benefits. There’s no better medicine than the ones that come from plants. It’s time we switch to a better and healthier lifestyle with our homegrown herbs and spices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spices Grown in India
1. What are the primary spices grown in India?
India cultivates a wide variety of spices, including black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, ginger, and more.
2. Which states in India are known for spice cultivation?
Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are some of the states renowned for spice production.
3. What is the significance of spices in Indian cuisine?
Spices are the heart of Indian cuisine, adding flavor, aroma, and complexity to dishes. They are integral to both traditional and modern Indian cooking.
4. What is the history of spice cultivation in India?
India has a rich history of spice cultivation dating back thousands of years. It was a major spice trade hub, attracting traders from around the world.
5. Can I purchase authentic Indian spices online?
Yes, you can find a wide range of authentic Indian spices online on Zoff spices. From veg spices, dry fruits to non-veg spices all products are availble with zip-lock packaging.