Organic spice
Spice grown without synthetic pesticides or fertiliser under a certified standard.
Also: organic certification, pesticide-free spice, natural farming
Organic spices are produced under rules that bar most synthetic pesticides, fertilisers and, in processing, certain treatments. Certification involves documentation, inspection and a transition period. Sikkim, India's first fully organic state, grows large cardamom organically, and organic pepper, turmeric, ginger and vanilla are exported from many countries. Organic status does not by itself guarantee freshness, flavour or freedom from microbes, and organic spices must still be cleaned and treated. For consumers, the main benefit is reduced pesticide residues and, for many, support for sustainable farming. Fumigation rules for organic spice differ between countries.