PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF HERBAL FOOD PRODUCTS OF THE COTTAGE INDUSTRY IN THE NORTHEAST

Abstract

The study of herbal food production was conducted in all 19 northeastern provinces during October 1999 to February 2000. It was found that there were 47 groups of herbal food producers in 16 provinces. Twenty eight species of herbs, valued of Baht 40 million annually, were used as raw materials in fresh and dried forms, amounting to 1,494 tons and 271 tons, respectively, with ginger being most used. The estimated sale value of 44 products was about Baht 347 million per year. The highest quantity produced with the highest sale value was safflower instant tea. From the quality determination of 122 product samples, it was found that 66.4% and 74.6% of the samples met the standard of moisture and ash contents, respectively. The results of microbial evaluation of 77 product samples showed that all were free from coliforms and E. coli, but only 24.7% of the samples could meet the standard of yeast and mold counts.