Hyperspectral imaging, a non-destructive technique in medicinal and aromatic plant products industry: Current status and potential future applications

Due to an increasing trend for on-line monitoring of food quality, safety and authenticity, the use of rapid, reliable and non-contact devices in food industry has attracted considerable attention. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI), based on spatially resolved spectroscopy, is such a non-destructive technique. Fusion of this technique with other measurement instruments would be a promising approach to gather various types of information on the appearance, nature, and special traits of food products and ingredients including aromatic/medicinal plants. These materials play an important role in flavouring of food products and traits of supplements and pharmaceuticals. Their quality and authenticity are key properties, which can be assured by using spectroscopy techniques, including HSI. This paper reviews (a) the basic principles of HSI, (b) scientific work on HSI and aromatic/medicinal plants, as well as their related products such as spices and (c) the existing and future applications in the related industry.