The first indication of people flavouring food with spices has been traced back 6000 years. Ancient Egyptian papyri dating from around 2800 BC name spices such as marjoram, mint, cinnamon and cassia. The pyramids in Egypt were built by slaves who used garlic and onions to improve their health. The Arabians distil essential oils from spices for use in embalming.

Over 3000 years ago, the ancient Babylonians were using the most exotic spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, saffron, cumin and coriander. They also used herbs such as thyme, marjoram, oregano, dill and parsley. Fall of the Roman Empire. The Arabians take charge of handling spices. Considerable influence from China in the east and Spain in the west. Capture of Jerusalem and the onset of the crusades. Spices are traded with Europe. Venice and Genoa dominate. Enormous wealth is created.

The Renaissance. Spices become more expensive. Long transport routes over land. A lot of middlemen (18 traders 110 times the price). Record high for spice prices. ½ kg saffron = 1 horse ½ kg ginger = 1 sheep ½ kg nutmeg = 7 fat oxen High prices for spices encourage people to look for other means of transport, particularly on routes to India and Indonesia.

Columbus discovers the West Indies and thus America. There is a statue of the ship bearing his name and that of his protectress, Santa Maria, in Barcelona. Vasco de Gama – the sea route to India is opened. The centre for the spice trade moves from Italy to Portugal and Spain. Consumption multiples.

Magellan commands expedition of 5 ships and 230 men. Returns with 1 ship, 18 men and 25 tons of spices, which is regarded as an unbelievable achievement. The growing of spices in other parts of the world begins, and the Portuguese begin to conquer the Orient. England and Holland begin to oppose Portugal and Spain’s monopoly. Holland has now driven the Portuguese from Indonesia, but the reign of terror continues.

England becomes more involved, but divides its trade with Holland. America and France also become interested. The modern spice trade develops. The American ship, the Klipper, sails to Indonesia, and returns home with large spice loads. The American town of Salem becomes a large port of entry. The East India Company is founded. C. Leon Berg opens a small tea and spice shop in Gothenburg, which becomes the seed for the flavouring company Nordfalks AB. Nordfalks AB was founded in 1946 by Armin Mattsson. Spices are sold under the name Santa Maria. In 2001, the company changes its name to Santa Maria AB.