Aromatic and medicinal herbs and spices: space for appetizers

Herb factory, sensory trips and aromatic hors d’oeuvres. All this at the Spices & Herbs Global Expo in Macfrut 2023. Appointment at the Rimini Expo Center from 3 to 5 May with the Exhibition of Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs (for the first time in the West Wing), which offers an area for herbal processing, while another space will be devoted to organoleptic tests To identify the colors, aromas and flavors of the main types of plant derivatives. Added to these aromatic appetizers are expert barmen to enhance this type of product.

In detail, the region hosts a series of demonstrative tests, linked to the main stages of the first transformation of a medicinal product: drying and peeling, distillation, and extraction. Not only. At the same time, the exhibition also provides an experiential area in which visitors can learn about a wide range of herbs, spices, and essential oils and take part in familiarization tests for a 360-degree immersion in this universe of natural derivatives.

The space is coordinated by the journal Erboristeria domani and the Italian Federation of Medicinal Plant Producers (Fippo), Macfrut Partners, together with the Medicinal Plant Research Group (GRiPO) – Department of DAFNAE and students of the degree course in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Padua.

“The Herbal Factory is not just an exhibition area but a real experimental proposal to get to know or immerse yourself in this type of product – explains Demetrio Benelli, Director of Erboristeria domani – The sector of medicinal plants and essential oils is experiencing a real boom in Italy thanks to the expertise of the specialized professional channel of Italian herbalists, It is a reality unique at the European level, with more than 4,000 points of sale, with an estimated value of around € 800 million. Paradoxically, despite the great reach, this supply chain does not have a specialized fair, with moments of discussion reserved for a professional audience. The importance of Spices & Herbs Global Expo lies in bringing together this articulated supply chain that spans from agriculture to transformation to the production of nutritional supplements, natural cosmetics and pharmaceutical derivatives.”

And if the sense of smell is stimulated in the sensory region, then that of the palate is in the appetizing center, another great display of the fair. Young collaborators with Herbalist Liquoreria Sarandrea in Collepardo, on the Ernici Mountains, a region preserving ancient herbal traditions and expert preparations based on wild species of native plants, create a proprietary blend. To take turns suggesting indigenous botanical-based cocktails, barman Alex Toti and bartender Mihaela Mahalian.