Cumin, Camels, and Caravans: A Spice Odyssey

In his book, Cumin, Camels, and Caravans, Gary Paul Nabhan explores the relationship between the spice trade and culinary imperialism, tracing the routes of caravans of spice merchants from the Arabian Peninsula to the China Sea and the United States. He reveals how aromatics such as cumin, cinnamon, saffron, and peppers became adopted worldwide as signature ingredients of diverse cuisines and suggests how a more virtuous multicultural globalized society may be achieved.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2020
Publisher: University of California Press

In his captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between the spice trade and culinary imperialism, Gary Paul Nabhan takes readers on a mesmerizing journey that spans both time and space. Drawing upon his own family's rich heritage as spice traders, as well as a wealth of travel narratives, historical accounts, and his expertise as an ethnobotanist, Nabhan vividly portrays the pivotal roles played by Semitic peoples and desert floras in establishing the framework for the globalized spice trade.

Traversing along four prominent trade routes—the Silk Road, the Frankincense Trail, the Spice Route, and the Camino Real (for chiles and chocolate)—Nabhan embarks on a captivating expedition, following the caravan of itinerant spice merchants as they journey from the frankincense-gathering grounds and ancient harbors of the Arabian Peninsula to the bustling port of Zayton on the China Sea, and finally to the vibrant city of Santa Fe in the southwest United States. Through his captivating stories, delectable recipes, and insightful linguistic analyses of cultural diffusion routes, Nabhan unveils the profound impact that aromatics such as cumin, cinnamon, saffron, and peppers have had on the world's culinary landscape, transforming them into signature ingredients of diverse cuisines worldwide.

In his insightful work, Cumin, Camels, and Caravans, Nabhan sheds light on a surprising fact: for much of their history, Arabs and Jews have collaborated extensively in the spice trade. This revelation challenges the prevalent narrative of perpetual conflict between these two cultures and offers a glimpse into the potential for a more harmonious and inclusive globalized society. By examining the shared heritage and mutual benefits of the spice trade, Nabhan proposes a roadmap for fostering cultural exchange, understanding, and cooperation, paving the way for a future where diverse cultures can thrive and contribute to a collective sense of global well-being.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 152 x 226 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520379244