Methodology

1. Research

a. Trade Routes
b. Cultural significance/integration of various spices

1) religion
2) practical purpose (ex. preservation)
3) cuisine
4) social/societal significance (luxury items)

c. Global significance
1) as a measure of social status
2) as cause for international exploration
3) as cause of international relationships
4) Western desire for spice

d. Physiology?
1) neurological effect of spice
2) nutritional value - supplemental
3) fulfilling biological need

2. possible experiment on the association of spice with foodsg/geographical locations/cultures
a. using unlabeled spice boxes
b. defining culture by spice - lasting influences of perception...

3. Case Studies, examining aspects of spice's role throughout history by having each spice (or, potentially, mineral) through three case studies

a. spice candidates for case study
1) cinnamon
2) pepper
3) salt
4) ginger
5) tumeric/cardamom
6) saffron