What did a spicer do?

A spicer was a historical term for a trader or merchant who specialized in the import and sale of spices. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, spices like pepper, cinnamon, and cloves were highly sought after for their value in cooking, preservation, and medicine. Spicers played a crucial role in the spice trade, often navigating long trade routes to bring these exotic goods from Asia to Europe. Their activities significantly influenced commerce and culinary practices of the time.