Known as the “Spice Island,” Grenada is a healing sanctuary for the senses. Located in the southeast Caribbean at the end of the Grenadines, tourists often overlook it. Therefore, visitors can experience this compact (11 miles wide and 21 miles long) and pristine island with less crowds and more serenity. The climate and black soil is ideal for growing exotic spices and herbs. Thus, there are many Spice & Culinary Tasting Tours to sensually experience them from plant to table. I enjoyed my time on the Spice Tours and love sharing my Grenada Spice Island Guide.
Grenada gained independence from Britain in 1974. It’s remained a big part of the Caribbean spice trade for years. Currently, it grows 40% of the world’s nutmeg supply (second to Indonesia). Other spices and herbs from this colorful cornucopia abound here, such as, cinnamon, cloves, pimento (allspice), ylang ylang, ginger, moringa, pepper, turmeric, thyme, lemon grass, vanilla, cacao, tamarind, sapote and breadfruit. Overall, there are a variety of ways to explore and learn about the spices through plantations, factories, markets and restaurants.
As an Acupuncturist & Herbalist, I was eager to learn about the culinary and medicinal properties of this island’s plants. In 2 days, I explored the lush vegetation by touring sites, such as, Laura’s Spice Gardens, St. George’s Market, the Dougalston Estate and the Grand Etan Rainforest.
Grenada Spice Island Guide– Laura’s Spice Garden Tour & Rum Distillery
Firstly, I started my Spice Tour at Laura’s Herb & Spice Garden. Our Guide took us into the gardens, educating us first-hand on the culinary and health benefits of the plants. Overall, it was a full on 5 senses immersion experience. We got to see and hear about the origins of these spices and how they are processed. Then, we held samples to smell and taste.
Imagine, wafting on the aroma clouds of spices, such as, nutmeg, vanilla, cacao, cloves, ylang ylang, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, and ginger. Then, we explored the store, where we tasted and shopped among the eclectic variety of spice products.
Spice Fun Fact: Did you know that nutmeg and mace come from the same plant? Each come from the fruit of an evergreen tree in the Myristica genus. Nutmeg comes from the seed, and mace is the red fibrous husk surrounding it. They have similar flavor profiles, but mace is less intense.
Dougalston Estate and Etan Rainforest
My second day in Grenada, I enjoyed a half-day driving tour and stopped sites, such as, Dougalston Estate, Etan Rainforest and many more places along the way. This adventurous path took us up and down the steep grades of the mountains, along narrow passages with steep banks, amidst lush vegetation and panoramic coastal views.
The 600-acre Dougalston Estate is a historical landmark on the Spice Island, established in the 1700’s. In the heart of its plantations, our Guide took us inside a boucan. This is a building with large drying trays on rails, so the trays can be pushed back inside at night and during rain. The spices on hand depend on the time of year. A worker explained how they are harvested and processed. Then, she cut up and passed around samples of cinnamon, cloves, pimento, nutmeg, mace, thyme and turmeric for us to see, touch, taste, feel and smell. Many of the spices were in Calabash shells to sample.
Interestingly, there was many new plant facts to discover. For example, I saw my first loofah, of which I had never considered coming from a natural plant.
Plant Fun Fact: Loofah is the fibrous interior of a fruit from the cucumber family!
I also discovered the Tonka Bean, a dark wrinkled legume with a spicy almost cinnamon flavor. Lastly, I tasted the white fruit, Sapote, with an avocado-like texture and banana-vanilla taste. Exquisite cornucopia for the senses!!! I left floating…Our exquisite road trip continued, seeing lots of nutmeg and banana trees along the way. Our driver stopped to pick and let us sample the sweet bananas and nutmeg. Next, we made our way to the Etan Rainforest. It lived up to its ecological purpose and down poured on us at arrival.
Grand Etang Forest Reserve and Lake – Grenada Spice Island Guide
Because of the torrential rain, unfortunately, I didn’t see much of Grand Etang Forest Reserve. In the middle of the island, this eco-sanctuary showcases the biodiversity of the island’s flora and fauna. It’s renowned for majestic hiking trails, waterfalls, Mona monkeys, endemic orchids and the crater lake, Grand Etang Lake. On the ride home, I excitedly saw my first Rainbow Eucalyptus, native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
St. George’s Market and BB’s Restaurant
My Spice Island Tour concluded by shopping at St. George’s Markets and eating at BB’s Crabback Restaurant. Both allowed me to explore and learn more about the exotic spices and dishes. BB’s is just a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. My seat had a breathtaking view of the beautiful harbor and night lights reflecting on the water. I savored a delicious dish with the perfect ambiance.
I indulged in roasted eggplant with lentils, tomatoes and spices, alongside plantains, pumpkin and rice. The crowning jewel was my nutmeg Pina Colada. Plus, I was embraced by the colorful nightlights reflecting on the water before me, with the fresh atmosphere to savor the quintessence of Grenada through food and spices.
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