2 Post-Production Operations
Spice and herb production can be sub-divided into a number of activities, and although there is a route to market through by-product extraction, most spices and herbs have a series of post-harvest operations, which follows a logical sequence. The post-harvest processing tree shows each stage in the process (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Post harvest processing and products produced from spices and herbs
It is in the interests of the grower, and the industry, to produce a high quality product that will attract a premium market price. Pre-harvest operations involve the preparation of the facilities for the harvest material, which will ensure the crop is stored and dried quickly under hygienic conditions. The main reasons for low quality product are harvesting the crop when it is not mature; poor drying systems where there is a high risk of moisture retention and microbial contamination (dirt floors); and frequent rain during the drying process, which upsets the drying process. There is need to have buildings or structures at the harvesting area or to have a common facility for drying and curing products. Many growers of spices use traditional methods and high moisture retention, microbial contamination, and contamination with extraneous matter are common processing problems. International sanitary and phytosanitary agreements define measures to be taken to protect against risks arising from additives, contaminants, toxins or disease causing organisms in food or foodstuffs. In particular, there are problems with mould, high moisture contents and aflatoxin contents. Difficulties in reducing these problems to a low level are due to poor weather conditions at harvest associated with low cost processing technology; poor storage facilities and small-scale production units. Poor storage facilities and unhygienic and improper storage methods also contribute to contamination with mammalian and other excreta, as well as moulds or other microbes. In order to overcome these problems completely, capital investment is necessary, particularly for mechanised handling after harvest.
All personnel (including field workers) involved in the propagation, cultivation, harvest and post-harvest processing stages of plant production should maintain appropriate personal hygiene and should have received training regarding their hygiene responsibilities (see Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices and Dried Aromatic Plants CAC/RCP 42 1995 at htpp://www.codexalimentarius.net /standard_list.asp). Only properly trained personnel, wearing appropriate protective clothing (such as overalls, gloves, helmet, goggles, face mask), should apply agrochemicals.
