Souvenirs are often a calling card for affluent tourists. They need not be kitschy nor expensive though. Apart from photos, memories and experiences, some of the best souvenirs are of the edible kind. Here are just a few things worth purchasing in their country of origin:

• Vanilla from Mexico and Tahiti. Though the former country is the native land to the vanilla-producing orchid, Tahiti also has its fair share of this spice. There may even be an opportunity to visit a vanilla plantation in this idyllic South Pacific paradise.
• Mexico strikes again! Chocolate originated in Mexico and many claim that it has health benefits (don’t think they are referring to Kit Kats though). See, XOCOATL.
• Coffee and Jamaica. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is renowned as being exquisite and highly sought after. It is also quite expensive.

Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee at the Craighton Estate.
Photo by Kimberley (c)2013

• Darjeeling tea from said region in India. Stay tuned for a future post on Tea Around the World…
• Olive oil from the Mediterranean. This heart-friendly monounsaturated fat is one of the reasons a Mediterranean diet is considered healthy.
• Spices from the spice island of Grenada; nutmeg is a popular item. See, I’ll Toast to That

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Wanderlust & Flour Dust – Vegetarian Foodie Adventures of a Travelling Baker

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I Do Declare
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Shopping with a Conscience