ZANZIBAR: The Soul of the Spice

 When you hear the name Zanzibar, your mind may immediately drift to turquoise waters, white sand, beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. But beyond the island's beauty lies a fragrant and fascinating secret that has earned Zanzibar its iconic nickname - "The Spice Island"

Zanzibar's spice story began centuries ago, shaped by its strategic location along ancient trade routes. Arab, Indian, and Persian traders docked on the shores of Zanzibar, bringing with them not only textiles and ceramics but also exotic plants and seeds. Over time, Zanzibar's fertile soil and tropical climate made it an ideal environment for cultivating a wide variety of spices. 

However, it was during the 19th Century - under the rule of Sultan Seyyid bin Said of Oman - that spice production in Zanzibar truly flourished. The Sultan established large plantations, primarily on the main island of Unguja, and Zanzibar became one the world's leading exporters of cloves. By the mid - 1800s, Zanzibar was producing nearly 90% of the world's cloves, solidifying its title as the  "Spice Island" 


What Spices Are Grown in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar's spice farms are a sensory journey - a natural perfume of warm earth and rich aroma greets you as you walk through them. Some of the most popular spices and plants cultivated include:

  • Cloves: Known as the king of Zanzibar spices. Harvested from clove trees, they are used for cooking, perfumes, and even traditional medicine. 
  • Cinnamin: Both the bark and leaves of the tree are aromatic, used in cooking and herbal treatments. 
  • Cardamon: A valuable spice with a strong, sweet flavor used in curries, teas, and desserts. 
  • Nutmeg & Mace: Harvested from the same seed; nutmeg is the seed; mace is the covering both distinct tastes. 
  • Black Pepper: The king of spices; used worldwide for its pungent flavor. 
  • Vanilla: Grown from orchids and pollinated by hand, vanilla is labor - intensive and one of the most expensive spices in the world. 
  • Turmeric & Ginger: Used both in culinary dishes and traditional healing.
  • Lemon grass, chili, and Cumin. Flavorful and aromatic additions to both food and Zanzibar's cultural recipes.    

Spices Tours: Authentic Experience


No trip to Zanzibar is complete without visiting a spice plantation, where you can see how the spices grow, taste them fresh, and learn how they are harvested and processed. These farms are usually managed by local families or cooperatives, and the experience is both educational and interactive. Tour guides will often make you wear spice jewelry, craft you palm leaf crowns, and cook a delicious spiced swahili meal at the end of the tour. 

Visitors are surprised to find that many spices look and smell different in their raw form compared to how they appear on supermarket shelves. The tours also offer insights into how spices are used in Zanzibar culture - from food preparation and medicine to cosmetics and rituals. 



The influence of spices in Zanzibari food is unmistakable. The island's cuisine is a fusion of Swahili, Arab, Indian and Persian flavors. Common dishes like Biryan, pilau rice and octopus curry are rich with the aroma of cloves, cardamon, and cinnamon. Even street food like Zanzibar pizza and urojo soup (Zanzibar mix) reflects the spice heritage. 

To be continued.......................

Maryam Mkwende

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