Spice Farm Surprise

As an aspiring Goan cook, I felt compelled to visit one of the local spice plantations.
The Sahakari Spice Farm is nestled within a lush, tropical forest in Ponda covering 130 acres.
Visitors are greeted in traditional style, with a shower of flower petals.
Everyone gets a flower garland and a snack of cashews with a cup of lemon grass tea.

During the 40 minute walking tour we saw most of the fundamental spices in Indian cooking such as black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, vanilla beans, cinnamon bark, cloves, chilies, coriander and cashews. Our tour guide explained not only their economic value but some of their medicinal uses. Who knew you could rub turmeric paste on your face and it would make you look years younger? At least that’s what our tour guide said.

The route meanders along a windy river, across wooden bridges where you can see spices drying in the sun. Another highlight is watching the resident elephants take a bath in the river, with the help of some willing tourists.
At the end of the tour, the farm provides an eco-friendly buffet lunch served out of coconut shell cups and betel nut plates. The farm also sells concentrated oils that are believed to treat various ailments from acne to indigestion.