The Future Trend Natural Preservatives in the Food System: Essential Oils

Abstract

Essential oils mainly used in food industry for food preservation are a main source of many bioactive compounds, which have antioxidant property, antimicrobial activity and also flavoring agents. Natural preservatives used in food products are suitable to be used for food preservation in order to extend the shelf-life and maintain the quality of foods. In this preservative application, more alternative approaches is required in order to meet consumer demands, establish food quality and preserve food products from environmental factors and maintain safety of foods due to increasing consumer awareness for healthy food products. This study presents an overview of essential oils and use of essential oils in the preservation of food products and also the most recent researches on essential oils incorporate into the food system.