Offers concise coverage of spices and herbs from basic science to the most recent developments in spice functions and applications. Introduces a new patterning theory of extensive spice use in various types of food preparations.

A practical guide offering updates in the spices and seasonings industry Since the publication of the first edition of Spices and Seasonings: A Food Technology Handbook, there have been many developments in the food industry. This much-needed new edition is the authoritative handbook for seasoning developers and contains essential information on formulating and labeling dry seasoning blends. There have been regulatory changes in the spice industry and other areas of the food industry. Spices and Seasonings, Second Edition explores these changes and gives the food industry professional updates of important statistics, the latest research on the antimicrobial capabilities of certain spices, new American Spice Trade Association specifications, and new FDA labeling regulations. In addition to providing a general overview of the industry, this book offers practical details on specifications and formulations for the food technologist. Topics covered in Spices and Seasonings, Second Edition include: * U.S. regulations as they apply to spices * Spice processing * Quality issues dealing with spices * Spice extractives * Recent spice research * Common seasoning blends * Meat, snack, sauce, and gravy seasonings * Spice and seasoning trends for the new millennium Food technologists and managers from the spices and seasonings industry will find this a comprehensive and practical guide on spices and their applications.

Spices are high value, export-oriented crops used extensively in food and beverage flavourings, medicines, cosmetics and perfumes. Interest is growing however in the theoretical and practical aspects of the biosynthetic mechanisms of active components in spices as well as the relationship between the biological activity and chemical structure of these secondary metabolites. A wide variety of phenolic substances and amides derived from spices have been found to possess potent chemopreventive, anti-mutagenic, anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. Representing the first discussion of the chemical properties of a wide cross section of important spices, this book covers extensively the three broad categories of plant-derived natural products: the terpenoids, the alkaloids and the phenyl propanoids and allied phenolic compounds. Spice crops such as black pepper, ginger, turmeric and coriander are covered with information on botany, composition, uses, chemistry, international specifications and the properties of a broad range of common and uncommon spices.

International trade in high value perishables has grown enormously in the past few decades. In the developed world consumers now expect to be able to eat perishable produce from all parts of the world, and in most cases throughout the year. Perishable plant products are, however, susceptible to physical damage and often have a potential storage life of only a few days. Given their key importance in the world economy, Crop Post-Harvest Science and Technology: Perishables devotes itself to perishable produce, providing current and comprehensive knowledge on all the key factors affecting post-harvest quality of fruits and vegetables. This volume focuses explicitly on the effects and causes of deterioration, as well as the many techniques and practices implemented to maintain quality though correct handling and storage. As highlighted throughout, regular losses caused by post-harvest spoilage of perishable products can be as much as 50%. A complete understanding, as provided by this excellent volume, is therefore vital in helping to reduce these losses by a significant percentage. Compiled by members of the world-renowned Natural Resources Institute at the United Kingdom's University of Greenwich, with contributions from experts around the world, this volume is an essential reference for all those working in the area. Researchers and upper-level students in food science, food technology, post-harvest science and technology, crop protection, applied biology and plant and agricultural sciences will benefit from this landmark publication. Libraries in all research establishments and universities where these subjects are studied and taught should ensure that they have several copies for their shelves.