Oris Riswan Budiana | 2 years ago

Bandung – Indonesia is known as one of the best spice producing countries in the world. Based on data from the Foor and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2016, Indonesia was ranked fourth as a spice producer in the world with a total production of 113,649 tons and a total export value of US $ 652.3 million.

In the world, based on data from the Negeri Spice Foundation, there are 400-500 species of spices. Of that number, 275 of them are in Southeast Asia, which is dominated by Indonesia. So that Indonesia has the nickname Mother of Spices.

In Indonesia, the best spices are produced in a number of areas such as Jambi, Java, Central and East Kalimantan, Maluku, NTT, to Papua. Of the various spices that exist, it turns out that there are seven that are superior for export. Anything?

1. Pepper
Tanama with the Latin name Piper Nigrum Linn is thought to have come from India. However, this plant is widely spread in various parts of Indonesia, from Aceh, Jambi, Kalimantan, Lampung, Sumatra, to DI Yogyakarta. In 2016, pepper became Indonesia’s main spice commodity for export with a value of Rp. 1.9 trillion.

2. Cloves
Cloves are native to Indonesia, namely from Ternate and Tidore in the Maluku Islands. However, cloves then spread in various regions in Indonesia. In fact, during the Dutch East Indies colonial era, cloves had become an agricultural product that they exploited. In 2016, the export value of cloves reached a value of 11.3 million US dollars.

3. Cinnamon
This spice has a fragrant aroma. Usually, cinnamon is used to complement cake or beverage ingredients. The export value in 2016 reached 44.8 million US dollars.

4. Nutmeg
This typical Banda and Maluku plant is widely distributed in eastern Indonesia. Apart from being a spice, nutmeg is often used to produce essential oils. In 2016, the export value reached 44.1 million US dollars.

5. Vanilla
This plant actually comes from Mexico. However, in Indonesia it has been widely cultivated, especially in the western and central regions of Indonesia. In 2016, the export value of vanilla reached USD 30.2 million.

6. Ginger
This plant in 2016 reached 2.6 million US dollars for its export value. Ginger itself can be used for various purposes, ranging from food ingredients, medicine, to candy.

7. Turmeric
This plant grows quite a lot in various regions in Southeast Asia. However, Indonesia is one of the best turmeric producing countries. The export value in 2016 reached US $ 3.5 million.

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