Cloves, nutmeg, paprika, ginger… There are hundreds of different spices.

Some are sweet, like cinnamon; others are hot, like chili pepper.

Sprinkled in food, they give different tastes. That’s why you find spices in recipe books all around the world…

But why do certain countries eat spicy food and others don’t?

When we talk about spicy food, we generally mean hot spices: that set your mouth on fire like a dragon!

Those spices are mainly used in hot countries, like India, Tunisia or Mexico.

Okay, but why hot countries?

First, because those spices grow in these countries. You don’t have to go far to find them; they grow in the garden!

Next, because they protect food from bacteria like in a fridge. Handy when it’s hot!

Some are even useful for fighting illnesses. Cinnamon, for example, is good for back pains.

Children, parents, grandparents… In these countries, everyone eats spices.

They say that in India, moms eat so much curry that their milk tastes spicy when they feed their babies.

So, you can eat spices at any age. Sweet, bitter or hot: what spices do you like?