Ethiopian Spices

Ethiopia is one of the largest consumers of spices in Africa. Ethiopia grows many spices, which are used not only to flavor bread, butter, meat, soups and vegetables, but also to produce medicines and perfumes. Ethiopia produces more than 50 spices from the 109 spices listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). SNNPR, Oromia and Amhara are the main spice-producing regions in the country. SNNPR is the main producer of ginger, turmeric and black cardamom, primarily in Kaffa Zone, Bench Maji Zone and Gedeo Zone. Oromia Region (especially Illubabor Zone) and Amhara Region are chiefly responsible for the production of chilies and black cumin. According to a recent estimate, around 1.1 million households in Ethiopia are engaged in the farming of spices.