Top Nutmeg and Mace and Cardamom Producing Countries

Nutmeg and mace, both derived from the seed and aril of the Myristica fragrans tree, and cardamom, from the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum and Amomum species, are prized spices with rich histories rooted in the tropical regions of Asia. Indonesia is the world’s leading producer of nutmeg and mace, especially from the Banda Islands, historically known as the "Spice Islands," which were fiercely contested by European colonial powers in the 16th and 17th centuries due to the high value of these spices. Grenada, known as the "Island of Spice," is another significant producer of nutmeg and mace. Cardamom’s origins trace back to the forests of southern India, and today, India and Guatemala dominate global production, with Guatemala now being the largest exporter due to commercial cultivation introduced in the 20th century. These spices were central to ancient trade routes and colonial expansion, shaping global cuisine and commerce as their cultivation spread from their native regions to other tropical areas worldwide.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat