Cinnamon Worth Its Weight in Gold: The Value of Spices in the Age of Exploration

Cinnamon Worth Its Weight in Gold (or Even More): The Age of Exploration and the Value of Spices in Today’s Currency

I was cooking and a question popped into my head while preparing oregano with sweet paprika and chopped garlic: how much would that little jar of seasoning be worth in the days of the Age of Exploration? The truth is, the simple act of seasoning your food—something we do automatically today—was once a luxury and incredibly expensive task. But, after all, what was the value of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg during the Age of Exploration, and how much would they be worth today?

The Age of Exploration and the Quest for Spices

In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the world was undergoing a true maritime frenzy. Europeans, primarily Portugal and Spain, were seeking alternative routes to reach the highly coveted spices of the East, which included cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, and many others.

These products were extremely valuable because, in addition to enhancing the flavor of food, they had preservative properties and were used for medicinal purposes. It was almost unthinkable for a grand meal, especially in European courts, to be served without the touch of these spices.

Navigators faced immense challenges. Ships of the time, such as caravels and galleons, had limited cargo capacity, and the voyages were perilous, with pirates, diseases, and unexpected storms. However, these challenges were outweighed by the astronomical profits that spices brought.

How Much Were Spices Worth?

The value of spices at the height of the Age of Exploration was so high that they often exceeded the price of precious metals like gold and silver. For instance, in the 16th century, cinnamon could be traded at exorbitant prices. One kilogram of cinnamon on some routes could be worth the equivalent of an average European worker’s annual wage.

To make a more modern comparison, let’s look at the value in terms of gold:

In the mid-16th century, one kilogram of cinnamon could be worth between 5 and 10 ducats. Considering that a gold ducat weighed around 3.5 grams, we are talking about 17.5 to 35 grams of gold per kilogram of cinnamon.

Today, with the price of gold around 60 dollars per gram, this would amount to between 1,050 to 2,100 dollars per kilogram of cinnamon. Comparing this to the current price, which is around 10 to 30 dollars per kilogram, cinnamon in those days was practically a luxury item.

Transport and Challenges

Now, imagine the process it took for a European monarch to enjoy roasted chicken seasoned with cinnamon.

The ships that carried these precious goods had limited cargo capacity, and spices often occupied much of the reserved space in the ship’s hold. Moreover, the journey was fraught with risks, both at sea and in negotiating with local merchants in the East. Many ships never returned, falling victim to shipwrecks, mutinies, or pirate attacks.

One of the most emblematic examples was Vasco da Gama’s expedition, which, after long voyages, managed to return with spices that, when sold in Lisbon, generated profits equivalent to several times the cost of the expedition. It was as if an investment made to bring back a small shipment of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg yielded enough to sustain a kingdom.

Prices in Today’s Terms

Now that we have an idea of how much spices were worth in terms of gold, let’s compare them to some current prices.

• Cinnamon: As we’ve seen, one kilogram of cinnamon in the past could be worth up to 2,100 dollars in today’s gold value. Today, we can buy 1 kilogram for about 20 dollars.
• Black Pepper: Also highly valued, pepper was traded by its weight in gold. Today, it costs about 20 to 30 dollars per kilogram.
• Cloves: Another valuable spice, today it costs around 40 dollars per kilogram, but in the 16th century, it was considered one of the most valuable products.

These prices show just how much globalization and modern trade have democratized access to products that were once available only to the elite. However, the cost of transporting these spices, the risks involved, and the exclusivity of the market explain why these products were so expensive at the time.

Conclusion

The next time you season something with ground cinnamon, remember the entire historical process that occurred for this spice to make it to your plate. From the great maritime voyages to the dangers of the seas and negotiations, to the incredible value these small products held, cinnamon and other spices were fundamental in shaping the history of global trade.

Whether in your tea or dessert, the cinnamon you use today was once worth its weight in gold, making your culinary moment even more special.