Spice oil is a spice derivative that are extracted generally by steam distillation process. The spice oils distilled off from the spices at the initial stage before subject to solvent extraction These oils are the volatile components present in spices and provide the aroma and flavor of the spice they are made from.

India is one of the top most producers of spice oils and contributes to around 70% of the total spice oil production. Countries including USA, EU, Japan and other middle eastern countries are major importers of spice oil. The exports of Indian spice oils has been rising significantly in the last few years owing to a sharp rise of demand in the fast food sector.

Popular Spice Oils
Spice oils are traded in large volumes for use in a number of industries. Some of the extensively traded oils are as follows:

• Clove oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Pepper oil
• Ginger oil
• Cardamom oil
• Nutmeg and Mace oil
• Mint oil

Advantages of Spice Oils

• Standardization : These oils ensure standardization in various products and hence are popularly used in pharmaceuticals, medicines and chemicals.
• Consistency : These oils have a consistent concentration of the spice they are made and hence more reliable.
• Hygiene : These oils are manufactured using high technology machinery and processes, hence are quite hygienic.

Use of Spice Oil

• Food processing
• Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals
• Aromatherapy
• Personal hygiene products: eg toothpastes, mouthwashes and aerosols