1Today we can buy almost any spice in the supermarket, but this was not always true.
2A few hundred years ago, spices like pepper and cinnamon were worth more than silver.
3They came from far away, travelling for months across dangerous seas and mountain roads.
4Traders from Europe sailed around Africa to reach the famous spice islands of Asia.
5These long journeys were risky, and many ships never returned home with their cargo.
6Spices were valuable because they helped people preserve meat and improve boring winter meals.
7They were also used in medicines, perfumes, and special drinks for rich families.
8When prices finally fell, ordinary families could afford to cook with these wonderful flavours.
9Chillies, tomatoes, and potatoes from the Americas also changed the cooking of whole continents forever.
10Next time you add pepper to your soup, remember its long and remarkable journey.