Spice

Spice was a broad term for a variety of seeds, roots, and bark that were primarily used for seasoning or flavoring food. They were often dried, ground up into a powder, and mixed together with a variety of other spices. Over time the advancement of long distance trade caused spices that were once exclusive to a single region to be spread far and wide across Toril.

Varieties
Spices used throughout Toril included the following:
 * Arispeg
 * Ateris, a spice that was endemic to the Thunder Peaks and Storm Horns.
 * Awana, a spice that was endemic to the island of the same name.
 * Basil
 * Bentilan, a spice that was endemic to the the Thunder Peaks and Storm Horns.
 * Cardamon
 * Chilis
 * Cinnamon, otherwise known as Cannella
 * Clove
 * Cocoa
 * Coffee
 * Cubeb
 * Curry
 * Delph
 * Fagara, a spice that was endemic to the country of T'u Lung.
 * Fire lichen, a spice that was endemic to the Underdark.
 * Galingale
 * Garlic
 * Ginger
 * Ginseng
 * Mace
 * Marka
 * Mingari, a spice that was endemic to Ulgarth.
 * Myrrh
 * Nutmeg
 * Panjar, a spice that was endemic to Tymanther.
 * Paprika
 * Pepper
 * Priadoran fire spice, a spice that was endemic to the region of Priador.
 * Saffron
 * Sesame
 * Tanbark, a spice that was endemic to Anauroch.
 * Turmeric
 * Vanilla, a spice that was endemic to Maztica.
 * Zedoary

History
In 920 DR, the merchant Windyn Balindre returns to Faerûn from Kara-tur with some of that land's unique spices in tow.

In 1238 DR, a major trade war began between the Amnian merchant families House Ulvax and House Ophal. This was due to the latter causing House Ulvax's spice trade with Zakhara to dwindle. The feud between them would persist for over a hundred years, igniting numerous other trade wars. Eventually, it would culminate in the Murann Spice War in 1338 DR. The Council of Six would go on to punish House Ulvax for instigating the conflict by revoking their right to engage in the Zakharan spice trade.

At some point prior to 1352 DR, General Hie Aie Shek cleared out bandits that were scouring the Spice Road.

From 1356 DR to 1374 DR the Highmoon Trading Coster was known to trade the spices arispeg, marka, and delph.

Around 1359 DR, the following spices were known to be carried by caravans along the Spice Road: Camphor, Caramon, Ginseng, Myrrh, Nutmeg, and Saffron.

Around 1367 DR, a trio of traveling merchants that hailed from Anauroch were trading a variety of spices in Shadowdale in return for silver. Some of their spices included curry, pepper, and rock salt.

For many decades the four rival trading families of Marsember shipped spices to and from lands all across the Inner Sea. Over time they became the city's main export and earned it the moniker "City of Spices." In the years leading up to 1370 DR the city's dominance in the spice trade waned as other kingdoms started getting involved in exporting condiments to the Sword Coast, such as Westgate and Nimpeth.

Around 1370 DR, Mithral Hall's alliances with surface kingdoms allowed for the importation of many spices that were once unknown to denizens of the Underdark.

Around 1372 DR, rare spices were known to travel across the Black Road. Around this time an investment of 100 gp worth of western goods could fetch over 500 gp worth of silk and spices from Kara-Tur.

During the Time of Troubles, House Se'Sehen were known to trade rare spices in return for either slaves or a means by which to transport their spies to northern ports.

In the late 15 century, merchants from further south were known to trade spices in the city of Bryn Shander. Around this same time, merchants were known to travel to Port Nyanzaru from as far away as the Sword Coast in order to purchase the unique spices of Chult.

Prices
Prices varied between each type of spice, with one of many factors being whether they were local or exotic. However, in the bazaars of Zakhara the native spices could generally be bought for around 7 sp to 2 gp per pound.

Usage

 * Elves considered cooking a delicate art form and their taste buds generally could not handle heavy use of spices. However, among elves the more adventurous youth were known to partake in over-spiced food.
 * Cloud giants who worshiped the god Stronmaus were known to ritually start each morning by scattering handfuls of spice and incense into the wind.
 * In the city of Drik Hargunen cooks and brewers were known to use a variety of poisons to spice their food.
 * In Zakhara, ghul-kin were known to have a fondness for highly spiced meat and stews.
 * In Zakhara, burning expensive spices could summon a Sakina.
 * Halflings generally preferred a mixture of herbs over strong spices when it came to seasoning sausages, cheeses, stews, and baked goods.
 * Rakshasa were typically known to season their food with all manner of exotic spices.
 * Among the many treasures that made up a roc's treasure hoard, spices were often seen.
 * In the nation of Tethyr, spices were one of many goods that people commonly bartered with.
 * Throughout Faerûn meat was typically coated in a mixture of powdered spices, such as sage and rosemary, before being spit-roasted. Calishites were particularly known for heavily spicing their meat.
 * The dwarven deity Vergadain often demonstrated his favor with individuals through unexpected discoveries, most notably of rare spices.