Belize Spice Farm & Botanical Gardens

When Tom and Tessy Mathew vacationed in Belize in 1989, they found it to be remarkably similar to their childhood home of Kerala in India. Parts of Southern Belize reminded them of The Malabar Coast, which was the original destination of Christopher Columbus. Many explorers were searching for an easy route to India in order to trade for its lucrative spices. We all know where Columbus ended up and what he found after he set off on his voyage (which he thought would be a shortcut to India). Would he have navigated a bit more South West he would have hit upon a climate and lands, similar to Southern India in many aspects, where spices thrive and peppercorns and vanilla beans can grow abundantly.

Many areas of Belize are uninhabited and designated as reserved forest and the overall climate and topography of the country struck Tom and Tessy as remarkably similar to their Southern Indian birthplace, which is known for world-famous tellicherry black Pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Kerala is also home to one of the oldest teak plantations in the world..

Why not do Columbus’ work, Mr. Mathew thought…..He started the Golden Stream Plantation (now the Spice Farm& Botanical Gardens) in the Toledo district of Belize in 1990 where they grew cacao and citrus. The farm grew to include various spice plants, exotic fruit trees, teak and mahogany trees and ornamental plants. With the aid of the Belizean Government, seeds and cuttings of spice plants native to India were imported and seeded. Visitors to the plantation are in for a treat with the opportunity to view and smell exotic plants such as cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. The Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens are home to one of the largest (and maybe the only) black pepper and vanilla farms in the country. The farm is adorned with varieties of beautiful trees including teak, mahogany, ziricote, Santa Maria, rosewood, sacred banyan trees, and sandalwood. Birds are attracted by the fruits and shady trees.

The Spice Farm now offers a great restaurant, gift shop, general tours, birding expeditions and culinary tours (where you can get your own spices). If you want to get married surrounded by spices and fruit trees, that’s on offer as well. The Spice farm, a must for every visitor to Toledo / Southern Belize…….

How to book:
For larger groups, special requests and restaurant reservations call 501 670 1338 or e-mail goldenstreamspicefarm@gmail.com. Individuals and small groups welcome without reservations.