spice

" Spices are non-leafy parts of plants used as a flavoring or seasoning. They are used to add flavor to foods and beverages, and as herbal medicines. The global herb and spice industry is estimated at more than US$60 billion. Asia is known as the ""Land of Spices"" as it is the place of origin, production, consumption and export of most spices. Internationally, there are about 70 plant species that have been grown for spices, the majority of which are in Asia. Although many other species have also been used as spices, they are either not commercially cultivated, or have only been collected from the wild. Although most of the world’s important spice crops originated in Asia and, as such, it is the legendary source, the major producer and exporter, and also the major consumer of spices, there are still a number of constraints which hamper production and/or expansion of cultivation to satisfy the growing worldwide demand. These constraints can be grouped into four main categories: biotic, abiotic, socio-economic and technological."