Spice plantations of Goa

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I am just back from that serene, relaxing and yet magestic Goa. What a marvelous place on earth. Pity, its only now being recognised as a holiday destination in the recent times.

Goa has got just about every thing - Beautiful beeches on the west coast, sumptuous sunset to keep you enchanted, Coconut palm sprinkeled landscape, small and yet imposing hills, water sports like surfing and jet skies, great restuarents to please the connousiers and very very friendly and laid-back people permitting the forginers to mix and mingle wihtout any fear or restrainment.

As if these were not enough - a group of dolphins engaged in the never ending chase of fleeing schools of fish will keep you captivated. If you want some more then you can go to watch the sleek and agile birds in the bird santuary and to top it up - go on a crocodile spotting trip with 'Jake the snake' fellow in his little boat, into the back waters of Goa.

SPICE PLANTATION VISIT

We visited a spice plantation just at the out skirts of Goa, about half an hour taxi journey. Turned out to be a delightful visit with a bonus show of elephant wash at the end.

Myself, Mom and Dad were recieved by a spice guide to a coconut leaves shack. Coconut shacks are very good in providing a cool shade when you are burnt by the relentless tropical sun. We were greeted traditional flower garland and a local buffet meal.

After that the Spice guide Raj took us on a spice tour showing different types of spice plants and trees. We were joined by a couple from UK. The lady was a keen spice fan and well versed with the spices.

I can't remember everything but nevertheless still have some vague idea of the names of the spices shown to us.

Just follow the images -

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Photos

Idelyic spice plantaion
A spice farm was in farmland dotted with coconut palms and evergreen glades frequented by the sleek egrets and robins. There was a domestic elephant as well, to complete the rustic scene.

Spice guide Raj (Indiana Jones of spices)
Raj delighted us by his wonderful style of naration. He gave us a run through of all the common spices of India and explained to us about the various spice flavours and tastes - including that famous Garam Masala spice !

Cashunet fruit
Note the nuts - its OUTSIDE the fruit. The nuts come first followed by the flesh fruit above.

Cashunet nuts
The nuts are formed first followed by the fruit above. The nuts will be always outside. These nuts are edible and commonly roasted with peper and salt.

Feni
Feni is a local Goan alchol drink brewed from cashunet fruit. This simple contraption is used to distill the fermented alchohol. This unregulated drink is loaded with alchohol and if you don't watch your consumption - you will be supine on the ground, in no time !

Beetle nut tree
Beetle nuts are very commonly used by Indians along with beetle leaves and tobaco. The combination gives them 'high' buzz and its addictive and no wonder lot of them are addicted.

Beetle leaves with Beetle nut
The leaves are folded over the nut to make a small packet as shown. Then the whole pack is chewed slowly over a period of time to get the buzz. The chewing also coats the tongue with firey red color. Over a long period of abuse - this combination leads to oral cancer. No wonder oral cancer is so high in India

Spice collection
There are cardomon, beetle nuts, cashunets, ginger in there.

ginger and plant
Ginger is a tuborous root like potatos. Has to be dug out to find them.

Flavoured sheath of spice tree
This sheath is used to provide flavour in Indian cooking, dishes like Biriyani rice.

Spice Tarzan
This fellow climbs these tall beetle nut trees with such ease. Makes it look so easy. As these trees are hollow they can be swung by leaning on them at the top. Then Tarzan will shift from one tree to another with little effort - very much like a nimble monkey.

Spice Tarzan
This fellow climbs these tall beetle nut trees with such ease. Makes it look so easy. As these trees are hollow they can be swung by leaning on them at the top. Then Tarzan will shift from one tree to another with little effort - very much like a nimble monkey.

Exhilarating Chill down the spine
At the end we were given a splash of spice water on to the back of the spine. It provides an explosive burst of exhilarating chill, running down the spine. Delightful conclusion to a wonderful spice trip.

Elephant wash
After the tour we stayed on to see the elephant wash.

splash time
Elephant splashing all over. Please take a look at my other journl 'Elephant wash' for more interesting images.

Comments

[Nita]

Name of Spice Farm?
I'd love to know the name of this particular farm-been to a Goan spice farm near Ponda but this one would be great for our next visit as we are travelling with children.

[Miss S Franklin]

Spice Plantation
Visited here in February this year very interesting tour, well worth a visit

[Ann & Marie]

Spice farm address
Visited this fantastic place last easter '05 we had a unforgettable trip... Time spent with the elephant in the water was brilliant....hope you find it ok. Address: Near Hotel Amigos, Curti, Ponda. Web site: sahakarifarms.com

[Angela.]

Spice Plantation
Thanks Ken. This brought back memories of our fantastic holiday in Goa last year. We bought essential oils from the farm which completely got rid of my husband's psoriasis. Until we ran out ! We want to get more so we now have the e-mail address. Thnaks to you ! Regards

[debra]

spices and nuts
where can i get them

[sharon monsurate]

spice farm
visited the farm 2 years back it was very interesting specially the splash of spice water on the back was really wonderful.

[myeke]

so much for that potential experiment