Herbs and Spices-Based Value Addition for Nutritional and Healthy Living

Abstract

The demand for herbs and spices has been rising recently due to their application or use in human diet and medicine. The use of herbs and spices, their bi-products and value-added products as sources of food, medicine, wealth and great power has historical importance. Despite being inexpensive commodities, their value cannot be underestimated in the health and food industries, serving as therapeutic agents, fortifying food, adding flavour and colour, and acting as preservatives. Due to the abundance of nutritional and health benefits offered by herbs and spices, it is imperative to ensure a sustainable supply through value addition. This process involves elevating the raw form or creating added value through processing, packaging, grading, branding and marketing. The advantages of value addition in herbs and spices include portability, reduced bacteria contamination, prolonged flavour, affordability and availability, among others. Forms of value addition in herbs and spices include powder, tea, juice, chocolate and sweets, essential oils, oleoresin functional foods, etc.