Spices at all costs

There are five spice-producing islands—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian, and Bacan—known as the Maluku Islands in modern-day Indonesia.

The Victoria was the only ship that returned from the expedition, loaded with a cargo of spices weighing 300 tons (275,000 kg). This was more than sufficient to repay the entire cost of the expedition to the Spanish Crown.

Let's take a look at the most sought-after spices.

Clove

The clove is an aromatic herb originating from Indonesia, with those from the Maluku Islands considered of the highest quality. Its scientific name is Syzygium aromaticum.

Apart from its culinary uses, it has various medicinal benefits such as alleviating nausea, stomach pains, toothache, and other aches and pains. It has excellent anthelmintic and antiparasitic properties.

Black pepper

Pepper (scientific name Piper nigrum), originates from India.

Rich in antioxidants, principally vitamin C, it is widely used in cookery, but also offers therapeutic benefits as an expectorant and cough suppressant, and is used in weight loss. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps prevent the formation of gases in the intestine. It was also used in ancient times as currency.

Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a spicy tuber, with hard flesh and a brown skin. It is rich in vitamin C, as well as in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. It originates from Southwest Asia.

It is widely used in gastronomy, and can be used in its natural state or dried. It is also used in medicine, offering anti-inflammatory properties as well as being effective in relieving gastric and respiratory problems, combating pain, and protecting the liver.

Ginger can prevent travel sickness, morning sickness, and has other benefits linked to stimulating libido, as a potent aphrodisiac.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice with multiple health benefits, often used medicinally for circulation problems, as well as aiding sleep.

Cinnamon is an antiaggregant, antisclerotic, and also antithrombotic. Originating from Indonesia, its scientific name is Cinnamomum verum.

Sandalwood

The sandalwood tree (Santalum album), is a species native to India, where it is considered a holy tree.

The tree produces a golden-colored aromatic oil, with the fundamental property of a relaxant.
It is also excellent for skin care, and is an extraordinary antifungal, with the ability to prevent the growth of some types of fungi, and stop illnesses from developing in human beings. It is similar to synthetic antibiotics.

Saffron

Saffron, which originated in Southeast Asia, is obtained from the stigmata of the flowers of the Crocus sativus.

It is the most expensive spice in the world since it is harvested by hand, which is why it is known as red gold.

It is a very versatile ingredient in cookery, although is traditionally used to flavor rice dishes.

It offers extensive health benefits, particularly for digestion, the respiratory system, and as an antioxidant, as well as being excellent for improving vision and fortifying the heart.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg (scientific name Myristica fragrans), is a spice native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. It has been used since ancient times to make incense, and as seasoning in cookery.

Nutmeg is also an effective natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, used to treat digestive and rheumatic afflictions.

Musk

As Pigafetta explained in his diary: “It is from China that musk comes; the animal which produces it is a kind of cat, like the civet cat; it eats nothing but a certain soft wood, slender as a finger, named chamaru.” Today, musk of vegetable origin is used.

Musk is mainly used in perfumes, adding a unique fragrance. It has one of the most powerful and persistent aromas, as well as being an excellent fixative. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and hyposexuality, amongst other conditions, and is a stimulant for the central nervous system.