While Turkish spices and aromatic plants sweeten meals in 156 countries on 5 continents, the sector made a significant contribution to the national economy with exports worth 250 million dollars last year. Türkiye stands out worldwide in aromatic plant production.

While Turkish spices and aromatic plants flavour dishes in 156 countries in 5 continents, the sector contributed to the country’s economy with exports worth 250 million dollars last year.
Spices and aromatic plants are among the most important ingredients that flavour dishes in Turkish and world cuisine. Türkiye, which hosts many species thanks to its climate, stands out in the world with its exports in this field.
Aromatic Plants and Spice Producers Association (ABÜDER) Chairperson Aydın Acun stated that there are over 600 species in total in the flora of aromatic plants across Türkiye.
Emphasizing that Anatolia and Thrace is a rich geography hosting many plant species and aromatic plants, Acun pointed out that there are many aromatic plants and spices in the country, including local herbs.

Highlighting that the region with the highest spice production is Southeastern Anatolia, Acun said, “In this sense, we can actually say that we are a country of red pepper. Our Southeastern Anatolia Region produces large amounts of red pepper, approaching 350 thousand tonnes. On the spice side, we consume and use it as chilli pepper, hot-sweet chilli powder.”
“The products we import are those that cannot be produced due to climatic conditions,” Acun noted…
“The most consumed spices in Türkiye are chilli flakes, sweet-hot red chilli powder, followed by imported coconut and black pepper. In the meantime, sesame, cumin, black cumin, sumac, oregano and mint are also among the most consumed spices in the country,” Acun added…