Handbook of Herbs and Spices (Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition)

Book info: Handbook of Herbs and Spices (Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition) (Hardcover, 624 pages) – Woodhead Publishing, 2012. Language: English.

Herbs and spices are among the most versatile ingredients in food processing, and alongside their sustained popularity as flavourants and colourants they are increasingly being used for their natural preservative and potential health-promoting properties. An authoritative new edition in two volumes, Handbook of herbs and spices provides a comprehensive guide to the properties, production and application of a wide variety of commercially-significant herbs and spices.Volume 2 begins with a discussion of such issues as the medicinal uses of herbs and spices and their sustainable production. Herbs and spices as natural antimicrobials in foods and the effect of their natural antioxidants on the shelf life of food are explored, before the book goes on to look in depth at individual herbs and spices, ranging from ajowan to tamarind. Each chapter provides detailed coverage of a single herb or spice, and begins by considering origins, chemical composition and classification. The cultivation, production and processing of the specific herb or spice is then discussed in detail, followed by analysis of the main uses, functional properties and toxicity.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, the two volumes of the new edition of Handbook of herbs and spices are an essential reference for manufacturers using herbs and spices in their products. They also provide valuable information for nutritionists and academic researchers.

• Provides a comprehensive guide to the properties, production and application of a wide variety of commercially-significant herbs and spices
• Begins with a discussion of such issues as the medicinal uses of herbs and spices and their sustainable production
• Explores herbs and spices as natural antimicrobials in foods and the effect of their natural antioxidants on the shelf life of food

Editorial Reviews Review

"…a standard reference for manufacturers who use herbs and spices in their products." --Food Review

"A truly comprehensive work, as well as easy to use. It should be the first source of information for anyone working with herbs and spices. This two-volume book gives comprehensive information on a wide range of the 109 plant species listed as spices and culinary herbs by the International Standards Organisation. It is a valuable resource for those whose work or interests lie in this direction." --International Journal of Dairy Technology

About the Author Dr. K. V. Peter is Director of World Noni Research Foundation, India and is the former Director of the Indian Institute of Spices Research and Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University, India.