Fall’s Flavourful Bounty

During the fall and winter, several spices will be harvested.

Cardamom

The harvesting of cardamom pods often begins in the fall, typically from September to November, depending on the region. Cardamom is mainly grown in countries like Guatemala, India, and Sri Lanka.

Pepper

Peppercorns are usually harvested throughout the year, as they are produced in various regions with different growing seasons. However, in some areas, the main harvest may occur in the fall. In Brazil, the crop during November and December is one of the most important ones.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is harvested from the inner bark of cinnamon trees, and the timing of the harvest can vary. True Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka is harvested from October until December. Additionally, the production of cassia will increase in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and China during the fall and winter.

Star Anise

In Vietnam, star anise is harvested two times per year, in the so-called autumn and spring crops. The autumn crop produces higher-quality, larger-sized star anise seeds.

Nutmeg and Mace

Nutmeg and mace are typically harvested in the late fall and early winter months in Indonesia.

Ginger and Turmeric

Ginger and turmeric are often harvested in the late fall and early winter, with the exact timing varying by region. In Nigeria, the second-largest producer in the world for ginger (after India), harvesting is typically done during the dry season, which usually spans from late November to early April.

Saffron

Saffron is usually harvested in the fall, with the main harvesting season occurring from late October to early November in many saffron-producing regions. Saffron harvesting is shown in the picture above this item.

Paprika and Chilies

Although not technically considered spices, these vegetables, when dried, are widely used by the spice industry worldwide. Paprika and chilies, closely related to each other with one being hot and the other sweet, are harvested in the fall. The paprika crop typically starts at the end of September, while chilies are harvested one month later. The main growing areas nowadays are India for chilies and China for both.

Please note that these harvest times can be influenced by local climate conditions, agricultural practices, and even market demand.