The term "Spices and Condiments" refers to "such natural plant or vegetable products or mixtures thereof, in whole or ground form, as are used for imparting flavour, aroma and piquancy to and for seasoning of foods".

Spices constitute an important group of agricultural commodities which are virtually indispensable in the culinary art. They can be primarily defined as farm products used in various forms viz; fresh, ripe, dried, broken, powdered etc. which contributes aroma, taste, flavour, colour and pungency to food rather than a lone food seasoning factor.