The 10 quiz questions
Question 1 : Which spice, the most expensive in the world, is extracted from the stigmas of a crocus flower?
Possible answers:
- Safran
- Vanille
- Cardamome
- Curcuma
Explanation: Saffron comes from Crocus sativus. It takes about 150,000 flowers to produce 1 kg of saffron, hence its high price (up to €30,000/kg).
Question 2 : From which country does chili pepper originate?
Possible answers:
- Thailand
- Inde
- Mexique
- Chine
Explanation: Chili pepper is native to Central and South America. It was brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus and spread throughout the world.
Question 3 : Which yellow spice is a main ingredient in curry and has anti-inflammatory properties?
Possible answers:
- Moutarde
- Curcuma
- Paprika
- Gingembre
Explanation: Turmeric, also called "yellow gold," contains curcumin with anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia.
Question 4 : From which part of the tree does cinnamon come?
Possible answers:
- Feuille
- Fruit
- Écorce
- Racine
Explanation: Cinnamon is the dried bark of the cinnamon tree. Ceylon cinnamon (Sri Lanka) is considered the finest, while cassia comes from China.
Question 5 : Which country is the largest producer of vanilla in the world?
Possible answers:
- Mexique
- Madagascar
- Tahiti
- Indonesia
Explanation: Madagascar produces about 80% of the world's vanilla. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is renowned for its exceptional quality.
Question 6 : Which spice, often used in gingerbread, looks like small stars?
Possible answers:
- Clou de girofle
- Muscade
- Star anise
- Coriandre
Explanation: Star anise is the fruit of the star anise tree, native to China. Its distinctive 8-pointed star shape is very recognizable.
Question 7 : Which Indian spice is nicknamed "the queen of spices"?
Possible answers:
- Cardamome
- Coriandre
- Fenugrec
- Cumin
Explanation: Cardamom, the third most expensive spice after saffron and vanilla, is used in chai, desserts, and savory Indian dishes.
Question 8 : Which spice gives Hungarian paprika its red color?
Possible answers:
- Tomate
- Betterave
- Carotte
- Piment doux
Explanation: Paprika is made from dried and ground sweet peppers. Hungary is famous for its paprika, a key ingredient in goulash.
Question 9 : What is the Japanese spice blend called "seven spices"?
Possible answers:
- Ponzu
- Shichimi Togarashi
- Furikake
- Wasabi
Explanation: Shichimi Togarashi (七味唐辛子) contains chili, citrus zest, sesame, ginger, nori, poppy seeds, and Sichuan pepper. It accompanies soups and noodles.
Question 10 : From which fruit does the clove come?
Possible answers:
- It's a berry
- It's a root
- It's a seed
- It is a flower bud
Explanation: Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree. The name comes from the Latin "clavus" (nail) due to its characteristic shape.
