Page 109 - English Grammar - IX-X

pepper, and turmeric are the most popular spices exported from India. In the second quarter
of 2017, these types of Indian spices accounted for almost 70% of total shipments.

(5) Cumin is the most exported spice from India, with India exporting USD 212 million, or
39% of Cumin’s total exports, from April to June 2017. Cumin is the dried white fruit of a
tiny slender annual herb of a greyish brown colour. The other most exported Indian spice
is red chilli, which accounted for USD 100.57 million in the same duration, or 18.40 per
cent of all spice exports. Chilli refers to the dried, mature fruit of the capsicum genus. On
the other hand, surprisingly, green cardamom is the least exported spice from India.

(6) Thousands of years ago, famous Ayurvedic sages Susruta and Charaka studied the
culinary and medicinal benefits of spices in considerable depth. The knowledge of
spices was brought to Egypt by traders and messengers from other countries, along
with their fortunes and the ideas of richness and luxury. Spices and aromatic herbs
were utilised in preparation of food, medicine, cosmetics, and embalming there.

Green Cardamom
Turmeric 3.17%
7.96%

Pepper Cumin
16.26% 39%

Red Chilli
18.40%
Figure: Most Exported Indian Spices in 2017
(7) Spices became commonly sold in the Mediterranean regions and central and northern
Europe when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt and Asia. Pepper has been reported
to be used in the preservation of meat and to conceal the disagreeable odour of stale
meat which is common after a lengthy period of storage.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the following questions.

1. Which of the following is NOT correct, according to paragraph 1?
(a) Spices have led to rise of freedom struggle in many countries.
(b) Spices conjure up thoughts of delectable cuisine.

(c) Spices conjure up thoughts of intriguing travels.
(d) Spices affect the literary powers of authors and journalists.

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