About
Old Mansion’s growth and success has earned us a place in the history of this 4,000-year-old spice story of commerce, trade--and flavor. Our “modern” story cannot be told without knowing a bit about the evolution of the spice trade.
From their earliest origins, spices have been recognized as a precious commodity that could be coveted and traded much like gold. Spice history begins with overland trading and transportation by donkey or camel caravans. The pungent aromas, unique flavors and colors of spices led them to be used not only for preserving and flavoring food, but in cosmetics, medicines, and more.
Spices were so highly prized and traded that eventually competition drove the development of new maritime trade routes as important as the Silk Road that connected Asia with Africa, the Middle East and southern Europe. It was a monopoly of the spice trade by the Republic of Venice that, in part, had Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Magellan set sail for new spice sources and advantageous trade routes.
In the late 17th century it was the state-authorized French East India Company and other East India companies that jockeyed for advantage. By the 19th century, British and Dutch operations were largely dominant in important spice regions of India, Ceylon and the East Indies. This is the era that Old Mansion enters spice history.
