History Behind Spice Racks

Spices can be traced back as far as 50,000 BC, according to some archeological findings.  The spice trade which in time was developed throughout the Middle East in around 2000 B.C., with cinnamon and pepper, and in East Asia, with herbs and pepper.  The Egyptians used herbs for embalming, and their need for exotic herbs helped stimulate world trade amongst the existing nations.  The word itself, spice, comes from the Old French word “espice”, which later became “epice”, coming from the Latin root “spec”.  By 1000 B.C., East Asia and the Middle East had medical systems based upon herbs.  Early uses were connected with magic, medicine, religion, tradition, and preservation.  Spice Racks have a history as well, with experts believing that the invention of the spice rack took place in 1000 B.C., and was probably constructed of wood.  Built for storage, rather than for decorating the kitchen, they were functional, yet plain.  As time progressed and spices became more commonplace, spice racks moved from hidden corners in the back pantry, to becoming a focal point of anyone’s kitchen.