On the road to the spice island of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Our #Africa14 overland safari through Kenya and Tanzania took us on "The Road to Zanzibar". Even before arriving Zanzibar we had undoubtedly heard of the spice islands in Zanzibar's Archipelago. Once the spice capital of the world, it is not surprising then to hear that spice production is still one of the main industries. The other main industries are tourism and raffia (use of raffia palms for textiles, ropes, construction materials and other purposes).  Zanzibar is a must for most visitors to Tanzania in East Africa. During our January travels through Kenya and Tanzania Spaswinefood spent three days in Zanzibar. One of our planed activities after visiting Stone Town included a visit to a local spice farm, followed by lunch with a local family home.

Sunset in Zanzibar, The Spice Islands © Spaswinefood

A visit to Zannibar obviously conjurers up expressions and images that we have encountered before in our daily lives. In fact, just months before in Vilamoura, Portugal, there we sat in front The Zanzibar Restaurant. We wondered about our future visit to Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Restaurant, Vilamoura in the Algarve, Portugal © Spaswinefood

Visit to a Zanzibar Spice Farm

After an over night stay in Stone Town we left for two nights on the north coast. Most visitors to Zanzibar, during their trip to and from the north end of the island, will most likely visit a spice farm. This was also the case for our journey to the north coast. During our spice farm tour our local guide introduced us to some of the spices and exotic fruits grown on the island. 

Our Local Guide, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

While on the spice farm tour we saw the following:
1. Vanilla vine with pods that would soon be ready to pick.

Vanilla Vine with Pods, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

2. Annatto, or Lipstick tree is cultivated for its seeds. The seeds are use for food coloring in the food and cosmetic industries.

Annatto, or Lipstick Tree, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Yes, the seeds from this tree will make your lips red.

Trying out coloring from the Lipstick Tree, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

3. Nutmeg tree valued for its fruit, which contains seeds used in the making of nutmeg.

Nutmeg Tree, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Nutmeg Fruit, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Nutmeg Seed, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

4. Cacao tree contains pods that are used in the making of chocolate.

Not Yet Ripe Cacao Pods, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Soon to be picked Cacao Pod, , Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

5. Pepper tree filled with ripening peppers.

Pepper Tree, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

6. Turmeric plants whose roots for harvested for the spice.

Manjano Turmeric, Zanzibar  © Spaswinefood

Turmeric Plants, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

7. Lemon grass plant is an aromatic herb known for its lemon flavor.

Lemon Grass Plant, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

8. Cardamom plant, a very popular aromatic herb, with its seeds known for their sweetness. This makes it popular in beverages, teas, desserts and many dishes.

Cardamon Plant, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

9. Black Pepper tree produces seeds that are dried and then can be sold whole or ground.

Black Pepper Tree, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

 Pepper Seeds, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Then of course you will also find exotic fruit, like pineapples.

Pineapple, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

There were also Jack Fruits.

Jack Fruit, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

At the end of the tour we could buy spices and products, like soap and perfume, made using some of the spices.

Soaps and Perfumes, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Lunch Stop on Our Spice Farm Outing
As part of connecting with the community our group dined at a local home. 

Lunch at a Local Home, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Our Group at a Local Home in Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Let us take a look at some of the dishes that we had for lunch.

Lunch Dishes at a Local Zanzibar Home © Spaswinefood

Lunch Time at a Local Home, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

My lunch was quite tasty.

Tasty Lunch at a Local Home, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

After lunch, as we walked back to our van, we saw families busy drying seeds in the sun.

Local children hanging out with their families, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Children Helping with The Nutmeg Harvest, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

There drying in the sun were some of the spices that we saw earlier on our tour.

Drying Seeds in the Sun, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

Nutmeg Seeds, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

We enjoyed our visit with the local residents. It was indeed quite insightful to visit a Zanzibar spice farm. Let us not forget a display of some local fruit near our lunch stop. It is obvious that exotic fruits and spices are a part of every living in rural Zanzibar.

Local Fruit, Zanzibar © Spaswinefood

After our spice tour was over we headed to the north coast of Zanzibar for some R & R (see article). However, all too soon our visit to the spice island of Zanzibar was over. It was back on the ferry back to Dar Es Salaam. Our Zanzibar visit was a mini vacation from our #Africa14 overland safari. After a night’s rest at Kipepeo Beach Village, South Coast of Dar Es Salaam we would rise early next morning. Yes, all to soon we were back on the road for a 12-hour drive southwards towards Iringa, our next stop. Zanzibar was indeed a delightful stopover during our #Africa14 overland travels. I invite you to join me in my travels in Africa and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

January 2014

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Africa

© Spaswinefood

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