This work addresses the multiple possibilities for using cinnamon for applications in food science technology and to help in the complimentary treatment and prevention of diseases, with priority given to secondary metabolites produced by this plant. Issues related to the functions of cinnamon and its applications, as well as the biosynthetic pathways of production by plants, are covered in depth. The link between food science and technology and specific medicinal plants has not been explored enough in the current literature, and this text looks to bridge this gap in its extensive coverage of cinnamon. CINNAMON: A Functional Food and Medicinal Plant provides readers with a broad and diverse overview of the importance of secondary metabolites produced by plants and the possibilities for innovative biotechnological approaches that introduce new potential to a wide range of industrial products. The application of cinnamon in products across food science and its numerous health benefits are outlined, including its use as a complimentary medicine for a number of diseases. This book features the main cinnamon varieties and production areas plus quality evaluation and bioactive compound extraction methods. The multiple applications of spices in foods are covered in depth, plus antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi. Beyond its use in foods, readers will find chapters covering the antiviral effects of cinnamon and its use for the treatment and prevention of diabetes and other disorders. Also important is coverage on the safety aspects of cinnamon and its extracts.  To date no book has exclusively covered the many uses of cinnamon and cinnamon extracts in food and pharmaceutical applications. This much-needed work provides a fully up to date and extensive overview for researchers to examine the many uses of cinnamon across multiple products and industries.                

Perishable products such as fruits and vegetables account for the largest proportion of food loss due to their short shelf life, especially in the absence of proper storage facilities, which requires sustainable, universal and convenient preservation technology. The existing methods to prolong the shelf life of food mainly include adding preservatives, irradiation, cold storage, heat treatment and controlled atmosphere storage. But with disadvantages in irradiation, cold storage, heat treatment and controlled atmosphere storage, chemical synthetic preservatives are still the main means to control food corruption. As the food industry responds to the increasing consumer demand for green, safe and sustainable products, it is reformulating new products to replace chemical synthetic food additives. Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents in Food Preservation provides a comprehensive introduction to the antimicrobial activity of plant essential oils and their application strategies in food preservation. It is aimed at food microbiology experts, food preservation experts, food safety experts, food technicians and students. Features: Summarizes the application strategy and safety of essential oil in the field of food preservation Describes the synergistic antibacterial effect of essential oil and antimicrobial agents Explains the action mechanism of essential oil as antimicrobial agent against foodborne fungi, foodborne bacteria, viruses and insects Analyzes the antimicrobial activity of essential oil in gas phase The book discusses how as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant, essential oil has great potential to be used in the food industry to combat the growth of foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. But because the essential oil itself has obvious smell and is sensitive to light and heat, it cannot be directly added to the food matrix and thus the application strategies presented in this book explain how to alleviate those issues.