Our origins
Kerala. Where exceptional spices begin.
Provenance
Between the sea and the Ghats
Kerala lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Each June the southwest monsoon breaks against these hills. Rain, forest shade, altitude and rich soil create the conditions in which cardamom and black pepper, both native to these hills, have been grown for centuries.
“Traders have sailed to this coast for its pepper for more than two thousand years.”
The land
Shaped by altitude
Kerala’s spice-growing highlands rise from the coastal plains into the Western Ghats. In Idukki the land climbs above 2,000 metres; Anamudi, at 2,695 metres, is the highest peak in South India.
Anamudi
Highest peak in South India
10.17° N 77.06° E
Munnar
Tea country of the High Ranges
10.09° N 77.06° E
Idukki
District town
9.85° N 76.94° E
Vandanmedu
Cardamom estates
9.72° N 77.15° E
Kumily
Spice gardens near Thekkady
9.62° N 77.15° E
| Place | Description | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| Anamudi | Highest peak in South India | 10.17° N 77.06° E |
| Munnar | Tea country of the High Ranges | 10.09° N 77.06° E |
| Idukki | District town | 9.85° N 76.94° E |
| Vandanmedu | Cardamom estates | 9.72° N 77.15° E |
| Kumily | Spice gardens near Thekkady | 9.62° N 77.15° E |
Places shown for orientation only.
Origins by product
Grouped by region, confirmed on enquiry
Our range is listed in four groups: Kerala spices, Tamil Nadu spices, Gujarat spices and other products, following the way Nurtured Spices organises its list. The groups say how the range is arranged, not where each product is grown.
Origin by product is confirmed on enquiry, product by product. Ask about a product’s origin.
Photographs
Kerala’s spice country
The hills, forests and plantations of the region and the crops grown there.
Black pepper climbing a jackfruit tree, Kerala 
A cardamom plant near Munnar 
Cardamom under forest shade, Cardamom Hills 
Pepper growing in a spice plantation, Kerala 
A spice garden near Kumily, Idukki The view towards Tamil Nadu from Meesapulimala, Idukki