Spices is a collective term for a variety of spices obtained from plants and refers to various plant substances used to flavor or color food.
Raw materials used in production.
- Spices can come from various parts of plants, including seeds, berries, roots, barks, flower buds, or fruits. The plants from which spices are derived can vary widely, and the production process will depend on the specific spice in question.
Step-by-step summary of industrial process.
Though specific steps can vary depending on the particular spice, a general process might include:
- Cultivation and Harvesting: Plants are grown and then harvested.
- Drying: The part of the plant used for the spice is typically dried.
- Cleaning: Any contaminants or foreign materials are removed.
- Grinding: The dried part of the plant is ground to produce powdered spice.
- Sieving and Sorting: The powder is sieved to ensure uniform particle size.
- Packaging: The spice is then packaged for sale or industrial use.
Form and color.
Spices can come in various forms, including whole, granulated, or powdered, and colors can vary significantly depending on the specific spice.
Commercial applications.
Spices are used in a myriad of applications in the food industry to flavor, color, and preserve food. They can also be used in the production of cosmetics, body care products, and in some cases in pharmaceuticals and alternative therapies.
Safety
Some spices can cause allergies, and the term "Spices" is so generic that it does not shield the consumer from any health contraindications.