All herbs, seasonings, and garnishes used in significant culinary applications that are organically obtained and processed are considered organic spices. This simply implies that no pesticides or other chemically produced elements are required in the farming techniques. An important factor accelerating market growth is the increase in nutritional benefits compared to competing products on the market, as well as the level of government and authority initiatives to improve the adoption of organic farming and manufacturing practices, the focus of consumers on higher-quality products, and the preference of consumers for ready-to-use spices to speed up cooking. Additionally, the growth of R&D activities and the modernization of newly introduced solutions will open up new potential for the market for organic spices throughout the forecast period. Moreover, according to OMR Research, the market for organic spices is set to witness significant growth at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period of 2023-2029.
Segments of the Market
The global organic spice market is segmented on the basis of product, application, form, and distribution channel. On the basis of product, the market is sub-segmented into chili, turmeric, garlic, ginger, nutmeg and mace, coriander, black pepper, and others. On the basis of form, the market is sub-segmented into granular, extract, powder, and raw spices. On the basis of application, the market is sub-segmented into culinary, sauces and dips, snacks and convenience foods, meat and poultry products, soups and noodles, and others. Further, on the basis of distribution channel, the market is sub-segmented into convenience stores, supermarkets or hypermarkets, and online channels.
The Importance and Benefits of Organic Spices
Organically grown seed spices are thought to be more resistant to pests and illnesses than conventional ones. Organic agricultural techniques are closer to nature, thus reliance on external inputs is decreased. Furthermore, as there is a desire for pesticide residue-free products, the organic spice industry will expand further.
There are several benefits of spices in general; however, due to increased chemical use in farming and storage activities, their natural properties are reduced, resulting in fewer health benefits. Organic spices, on the other hand, maintain the nutritional values of spices. The benefits of organic and natural spices include:
Chili
Chili contains various vitamins and minerals, such as a high level of antioxidant Vitamin C, which assists in proper immune function and wound healing; Vitamin B6 for improved metabolism; Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), which is important for healthy bones and kidneys; potassium, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease; copper for strong bones and healthy neurons; and beta-carotene, which the human body converts into vitamin A. Besides these, chili contains lutein (beneficial for eye health), sinapic acid, ferulic acid, violaxanthin, and other nutrients.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for decades as a remedy to heal wounds, infections, colds, and liver illnesses. Science has recently begun to support traditional assertions that turmeric contains elements with therapeutic effects. These substances or elements are known as curcuminoids. Curcumin is the most significant. Turmeric's major active component is curcumin. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is a potent antioxidant. Curcumin is also lipid soluble, which means it dissolves and degrades in fat or oil. Thus, combining the use of curcumin supplements with a high-fat diet may be advantageous.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used to treat infections, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress. Scientists have long recognized the benefits of ginger's anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, gingerol and zingerone, two components of ginger, may help decrease inflammation associated with a variety of health disorders, including type 2 diabetes. Ginger intake may also improve HbA1c (three-month blood sugar stability) over time. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, giving people with diabetes 1,600 mg of ginger daily for 12 weeks improved their blood sugar control and significantly reduced inflammation levels.
Garlic
Garlic has a low calorie count and is high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also has trace amounts of several additional nutrients. According to the National Library of Medicine, scientists currently believe that the majority of garlic's health advantages are due to sulfur compounds generated when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed, or chewed. Allicin is possibly the most well-known chemical. However, allicin is an unstable chemical that is only temporarily present in fresh garlic after it has been sliced or crushed. Moreover, large doses of garlic appear to lower blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure (hypertension).
Nutmeg and Mace
The well-known spice nutmeg is made from the seeds of the tropical evergreen Myristica fragrans tree, which is indigenous to Indonesia. Nutmeg seeds are rich in plant substances that serve as antioxidants in the human body. The compounds that are high in antioxidants include plant pigments such as cyanidins, essential oils such as phenylpropanoids and terpenes, and phenolic components, including protocatechuic, ferulic, and caffeic acids. All of these decrease the probability of cellular damage and can provide protection against chronic disorders.
Coriander
Coriander is high in both vitamin A and vitamin C. Besides these nutrients, coriander contains dietary fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin K, manganese, phosphorus, and other minerals. Due to vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids, coriander can help support clear vision. It has also been shown in studies to help postpone age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and treat conjunctivitis. In addition, consuming coriander leaves on a regular basis may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. In several studies, coriander extract has been found to improve mice's memory and protect brain cells from damage. This could be because coriander has anti-inflammatory properties, and inflammation is a major factor in the development of most forms of brain degeneration. Another surprising benefit in mice was the coriander extract's same efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms compared to popular anxiety medications.
Black Pepper
Black pepper, often known as the "King of Spices," has long been appreciated for its flavor as well as its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Black pepper's chemical components, notably piperine, have been found in studies to be useful in the early acute inflammatory phase, and piperine can also help in preventing radical damage to cells. In addition, important minerals such as calcium and selenium, as well as several healthy plant compounds included in turmeric and green tea, may be better absorbed when combined with black pepper.
Recent Developments
Frontier Co-op, Live Organics Pvt. Ltd., Earth Root Spices and Herbs LLP, Organic Spices Inc., Rapid Organic Pvt. Ltd., The Spice Hunter Inc., Spices Inc., Rocky Mountain Spice Co., and Starwest Botanicals, Inc., among others, are assisting in the market’s growth with their new product launches, marketing campaigns, and through mergers and acquisitions. A few of the recent market activities include:
• In November 2022, in Andhra Pradesh's Spices Park, the multi-business giant ITC Limited established its globally renowned plant for processing spices. The facility will have processing lines for chili, turmeric, and blended spices, with an annual capacity of 20,400 metric tons of spices, according to the company. It is anticipated that this facility will expand ITC's global food exports and enable the company’s production of over 15 organic spices. A few of the target international markets are China, Australia, Canada, the United States, and Europe.
• In September 2022, Cellavent, a Germany-based high-quality organic ingredients provider, launched the fermentlife-branded turmeric ingredient, which is developed by three Lactobacillus strains and is believed to provide botanical advantages as well as postbiotics and paraprobiotics. It has been demonstrated that turmeric and the curcuminoids it contains, such as demethoxycurcumin, curcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, are beneficial for joint, muscular, and cardiovascular health.
Conclusion
Organic spice manufacturing is now a business endeavor driven by environmental and food safety concerns, and it is gaining traction all over the globe. The demand for green food and pesticide-free food is growing, and exploiting the potential of organic farming to address soil health, human health, and environmental health is becoming more important. The use of fertilizers and pesticides has been consistently unequal, which has decreased resource output and increased the resilience of organisms that cause disease and pests. Poor soil health and human health are the results of this. Organically grown spices are safe, nutritious, and beneficial to human health, and the technique is environmentally friendly. They are extremely profitable due to increased demand in the worldwide market and the superior quality of organic seed spices. Furthermore, the biological activity of the soil becomes dynamic, which aids in increasing the availability of nutrients to plants and maintaining the soil's fertility state over a longer period of time. All such factors assist in the global organic spice market’s growth immensely.