About ofi's Tropical Spices

Where are tropical spices cultivated?

Olam categorizes tropical spices as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cumin, turmeric, cloves and more. In general, most spices are grown commercially in both subtropical and tropical regions. Olam produces several bulk tropical spices near Cochin, India, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A variety of spices are sourced from different regions including India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Nigeria, and Indonesia then brought to one of our plants in Vietnam or India for processing.

So, what can bulk tropical spices be used for? Tropical spices have many applications, including: 

• Dust cinnamon over your favorite baked goods or desserts
• Add ginger to your favorite Asian marinade 
• Include nutmeg as a flavoring in desserts, or as a part of your favorite savory cream sauce
• Add turmeric to your wellness tea, smoothie, or protein powder

According to an Egyptian scroll, the spice trade has been in existence for over 3,500 years. Beginning in Asia, Arab merchants used donkeys and camels to caravan in India, China, and southeastern Asia to bring spices such as anise, mustard, saffron, and cinnamon to the Greeks and Romans. Used for food, medicines, and products such as lotions and perfumes, spices were very expensive and were often traded for large amounts of gold. 

When the Romans set up direct trade with India through the Red Sea, spices became more plentiful throughout Europe. After the fall of Rome, the spice trade halted until it was revived in the 13th century through Marco Polo’s travels. When the New World was later explored by Christopher Columbus, additional spices, such as cloves, nutmeg, mace, and pepper, began to be produced, and spice farms were established around the world.

Cinnamon: Made from cinnamon bark from trees grown in Vietnam and Indonesia, our cinnamon is a light brown powder ideal for sweet baked goods and savory dishes from Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines. Shop Bulk Cinnamon Now→

Ground Ginger: Light yellow in color and flavorful with a gentle heat, this ground ginger is grown in Nigeria and processed in Vietnam. Great for drinks, desserts, and Asian, Indian, Caribbean, and African cuisines. Shop Bulk Ground Ginger Now→

Nutmeg: Grown in Indonesia and processed in Vietnam, this dark brown and fragrant powder is excellent for adding flavor to desserts, savory sauces, and Dutch, Italian, and Caribbean cuisines. Shop Bulk Nutmeg Now→

Turmeric: Earthy in flavor and bright yellow in color, this turmeric powder is excellent for spice mixtures of Indian or Malaysian origin. Since turmeric is also a well-known anti-inflammatory, it can also be used as an ingredient in protein bars, beverages, and other wellness supplements.  Shop Bulk Turmeric Now→

Whole Cumin: Bold in flavor and used in Indian, Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisines, Olam’s whole cumin is grown and produced in India from the flowers of the cumin plant. Shop Bulk Whole Cumin Now→