Historical information

Spices were used in abundance in Georgian cooking. This was mostly due to the British expansionist policy and their increased colonisation through the world. Spices became more readily available, and the most popular were nutmeg, cardamon, cloves, and peppers. These were often combined and used on meats and poultry to conceal the unusual flavours that was a result of the absence of a refrigerator. The grater that accompanies the spice box was a popular utensil in colonial kitchens and was used for nutmeg as it was recommended to be freshly grated.

Significance

This spice box is a part of the Churchill Island Heritage collection because it was an important element in a typical Georgian kitchen (1714 - 1830) and later. It represents the type of item that was used within Amess House.

Physical description

Georgian-era spice tin. Black, hinged domed lid, with six compartments and a separate nutmeg grater.