M.C. Dordi
Professor
Indian Institute of
Packaging, Mumbai.
Source: Book on Plastics for
Food Packaging, presented
by Indian Institute of
Packaging, Mumbai and
published by Indian Centre
for Plastics in the
Environment, Mumbai
Spices constitute an important
group of agricultural commodities,
which are considered indispensable
for culinary purposes and for
flavouring food. Some of the spices and
spice products are also used for medicinal,
perfumery and cosmetic purposes.
India is known as the “Home of
Spices” and produces a large variety and
quantity of spices. About sixty-three
varieties of spices are grown in the country,
which includes Pepper (King of
Spices), Cardamom (Queen of Spices),
Chillies, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin and many others.
As most spices grow under specific
climatic conditions, annual production
level and India’s share of spices in the
world market has varied considerably
in the recent years.
Although India exports spices to
130 countries in the world, of the total
spices produced in the country, (with
the exception of pepper) only a small
quantity of about 6-7% is exported. The
rest is consumed in the Indian market,
as there is an immense domestic demand.
A steady increase is observed
in the export of value added spices.
There is also a good scope to increase
export earnings from spice oils and
oleoresins as the global industry is increasingly
leaning towards natural
flavours.
The export performance of spices
and spice oils for the last two years is
shown in Table 1.
Product Profile
Spices are aromatic substances of vegetable
origin and are derived from various
parts of plants like leaves, bark,
fruit, flower buds, stems, roots, seeds
etc. Spices are used as condiments and
seasonings and form an essential part
of food preparations as they add flavour,
taste and colour. Spices have good antioxidant
and preservative properties as
well as good anti-microbial and antibiotic
properties and therefore, are also
used for medicinal purposes.
Spoilage Factors
In order to select a suitable packaging
material/type of package for spices, it
is essential to know the factors which
affect the quality of spices.
Moisture Content
Spices, specifically spices in powder
form, are hygroscopic in nature and
pick-up moisture from the atmosphere
resulting in sogginess and caking/lumping
of the powder. Pick-up of moisture
....contd.
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