Although each region of the planet has its own spices, the consumption of spices from tropical regions has developed in Europe since Crusades war. They were brought by the Islamic world. In order to meet this demand, the trade between the West and the East has increased through several terrestrial and maritime roads, which not only united Europe internally, but also united Europe and China through the road of silk, as well as India through the road of spices. The Portuguese habit of consuming spices and its use as seasoning in the gastronomic preparations come from this time.
Spices are a combination of aromatic products, which show some unknown characteristics of the ingredients.

A spice that is put on a soft dish makes it pleasant. It can also be a miraculous seasoning in the last moment for many things, whether in salty pastries or sweets. The taste of the Portuguese gastronomy is due to its seasoning and the spices used. For instance, in the sector of sausages and smoked meats, one of the secrets is the way we season, using wine, olive oil, chili pepper or some aromatic herbs. One of the Portugal’s regions that more uses these aromatic herbs is Alentejo through its gastronomy.
There are some companies in Portugal that make and transform species, supplying consumers and the food industry with sauces and seasonings of finest quality, excellent acceptation, following the most demanding rules of quality control.