Introduction: Columbus, Magellan, Vasco da Gama's Voyages and Spices
In the 13th and 14th centuries, European explorers Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Vasco da Gama embarked on great voyages in search of spices.
Their journeys were not just about discovering new lands but were pivotal events that transformed the world's culinary culture and history.
Seasoning vs. Spice in English: The Taste of All Seasons, Rooted in Spice
In English, the word to express '양념 (seasoning)' is 'seasoning'.
Its origin comes from 'spice,' which I believe implies adding flavor throughout all four seasons.
The Intensity of Spicy: Victoria Beckham and the Spice Girls
'Spicy' conveys a pungent and strong sensation.
Considering that the famous girl group to which Victoria, the wife of British soccer star David Beckham, belonged was named the 'Spice Girls,' it seems they aimed to give a powerful and impactful impression.
Cinnamon (계피) and Cassia Cinnamon (시나몬): A Broader Concept and a Common Type
Cinnamon and cassia cinnamon are similar yet distinctly different spices. I think it's reasonable to view cinnamon as a broader concept.
What we commonly know as '계피 (gyeopi)' in Korea, China, and Japan is called 'cassia cinnamon'.
It is mainly cultivated in China and Southeast Asia and is derived from the bark of the cassia tree, possessing a strong aroma and spicy flavor.
Ceylon Cinnamon: A Delicate Aroma and Strong Sweetness
In the West, the cinnamon variety produced in Sri Lanka is referred to as 'Ceylon Cinnamon'.
Belonging to the cinnamon family, it is made by fermenting and drying the bark of a tree, resulting in a soft aroma and a pronounced sweetness.
Cinnamon in Traditional Medicine and Sujeonggwa: Diverse Uses
In Chinese characters, '계피 (guìpí)' refers to cinnamon bark but is not related to the original cinnamon tree.
The cinnamon used in making the traditional Korean drink 'sujeonggwa' is harvested from the '육계나무 (yukgye-namu)' or cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum Schaeff), primarily used as a herbal medicine.
There's also the '월계수 (wolgye-su)' or Vietnamese cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureirii Nees) with a slightly sweet aroma and flavor, and '월계수 잎 (wolgye-su ip)' or bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) used to eliminate unpleasant odors.
People have varying preferences for cinnamon.
In Korea, it is used as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine shops; you can smell its scent if you visit Daegu Yakjeon Alley.
Black Pepper (후추): The Black Gold of India's Malabar Coast
Black pepper originated from the Malabar Coast region in southwestern India, now the state of Kerala.
It is said that it was worth its weight in gold during the 16th and 17th centuries.
During the student movements of the 1980s in Korea, police vehicles contained apple grenades (KM25) and rifle grenades (SY44) that used tear gas known as 'pepper fog'.
In novels, it's mentioned that prison escapees carried pepper to ward off pursuing dogs.
Whole vs. Ground Pepper: Enhancing Flavor
Whole peppercorns are not used as is but are ground little by little in a device resembling a roasted coffee grinder.
New-generation chefs sometimes create scenes with exaggerated gestures for performance.
In Korea, we often use pepper with salt to remove any gamey smell when grilling pork over charcoal, but this can sometimes mask the true flavor of the meat.
Pepper is also used during the aging process to neutralize strong odors.
The Value of Pepper: A Precious Imported Spice
Pepper is a fruit that grows on a perennial vine.
As it doesn't grow in Korea, it is imported from southern countries and can cost hundreds of thousands of won per kilogram depending on the quality.
Zepi (제피) and Prickly Ash (산초): Unique Spices of Gyeongsang Province
Unlike cinnamon, Gyeongsang Province has a spice called 'zepi (제피),' which is distinctly different from prickly ash ('sancho 산초').
There are many pictures and articles online explaining how to distinguish them.
I have a vague childhood memory of picking a handful from the zepi tree that protruded near the mud walls in old alleys.
This spice is mainly used to eliminate the earthy smell of freshwater fish soups like 'chueotang (추어탕)' and 'bungeotang (붕어탕),' and some people are so fond of it that they cannot eat these dishes without zepi.
When eating raw seafood like sashimi, it is even spicier than wasabi, commonly known as Japanese horseradish.
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