Raw herbs

Types of Raw Herbs

• Culinary Raw Herbs

  Culinary raw herbs are used as natural seasonings and are among food and beverage wholesalers’ most popular raw herbs and spices. Culinary herbs come from culinary plants whose leaves and stems are used to spice foods. They include basil, which is mainly used for Italian dishes; rosemary, which is primarily used for Mediterranean dishes; thyme and parsley, which are commonly added to diverse dishes; and cilantro, which is primarily used for Mexican foods.

• Raw Medicinal Herbs

  Raw medicinal herbs also form a considerable quantity of herbs available wholesale. Medicinal raw herbs are normally used to manufacture traditional remedies and pharmaceuticals. They include valerian root, which is used to treat insomnia and anxiety; echinacea, which is used to treat common cold and flu; and ginseng, which is used to cure inflammation and boost the immune system, among many other medical uses. Other types of raw herbs include dried herbs, organic raw herbs, and exotic raw herbs.

Uses of Raw Herbs

• Culinary Uses

  One of the main uses of raw herbs is in cooking. They are used to give food new flavors, thus improving food taste. Raw and fresh herbs are often added to foods and beverages before cooking them, while dried herbs are added during cooking. This is because fresh herbs lose flavor when exposed to heat, while dried herbs and spices maintain their flavor even after drying and food washing with water. Before adding raw herbs to food, wholesalers should understand what foods they can be added to. For instance, fresh basil is best added to sauces like pesto, spaghetti sauce, and marinades for meats, but is seldom used in soups and stews because it does not blend well with boiling water. Fresh chives, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be added to soups, salads, eggs, and potatoes.

• Medical Uses

  Raw herbs and spices are a staple ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry. Buyers in the pharmaceutical industry purchase bulk natural antiseptic herbs, such as turmeric, artemisinin, and aloe vera, which are used to manufacture natural supplements and lotions. They also purchase bulk shipping green teas and herbs like matcha, which are used to manufacture antioxidant drinks and weight loss and detox teas.

• Cosmetic and Skin Care

  Buyers in skincare and cosmetic industries also use raw herbs to manufacture organic skincare products. For instance, ginseng and turmeric are used to manufacture herbal ginseng soaps, turmeric lotions, turmeric pills, etc. Green raw herbs are also used to make herbal lotions, creams, masks, serums, and detox drinks that are used to rid the skin of impurities.

• Aromatic and Essential Oils

  Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint are commonly used to manufacture essential and aromatic oils. These oils are commonly used in aromatherapy to help clients relax, focus, and boost their energy and well-being.

• Tea Production

  Various raw herbs are used to prepare different types of herbal teas. Herbal teas are made from raw herbs like hibiscus, ginger, chamomile, and mint. They are then steeped in hot boiling water and drunk like regular tea.

• Preservation and Cooking Techniques

  Raw herbs are also used as preservatives and in cooking techniques to extend the shelf life of a product. For instance, fresh rosemary, thyme, basil, and parsley are frequently added to the marinade when curing and pickling meats and fish to help inhibit bacterial growth. Fresh herbs are also added to sauces, marinades, and gravies to help extend their shelf life by inhibiting bacteria and increasing acidity in the products.

Benefits of Raw Herbs

• High Nutritional Value

  Fresh raw herbs have higher nutritional value compared to cooked and dried herbs. This is because they have not been exposed to high temperatures, which tend to make them lose most of their nutritional and medicinal value. Wholesalers and buyers who deal in raw herbal and natural remedies prefer buying raw unprocessed herbs because they are more potent and effective. They also have high concentrations of essential oils and beneficial compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which promote health and well-being.

• Organic and Natural

  Raw organic herbs are natural and healthy compared to medicinal and skincare products made from chemicals and synthetic compounds. They also have less side effect. This is because they are grown naturally without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, which harm the environment and have adverse effects on people’s health.

• Freshness and Potency

  Raw herbs have higher freshness compared to dried and processed herbs, which may stay on the shelf for days or months before being bought. Fresh raw herbs are more potent, have a strong concentration of essential oils, and are very effective when used in skincare, pharmaceutical, and food and beverages products.

• Diversity and Flavor

  There is a wide variety of fresh raw herbs ranging from common herbs like parsley, basil, mint, oregano, and rosemary, which are readily available worldwide, to exotic herbs like galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Egyptian lotuses, which are used in specific niche markets. This means buyers can purchase raw herbs for various foods, skincare, tea, and medicine beverages.

• Market Trends and Demand

  There have been increasing consumer demand for organic raw green tea leaves, fresh raw spices, and fresh raw antiseptic herbs and a growing trend towards natural and organic health and beauty products. This means there is a good market for raw herbs.

How to Choose Raw Herbs

• Quality and Freshness

  Buyers and wholesalers should always check for quality and freshness whenever they are purchasing fresh raw herbs. They should look for bright and vibrant colored raw herbs like fresh green rosemary, chives, basil, and thyme, and avoid those that have wilted or yellowed leaves. Buyers should also smell the raw herbs to ensure they have a strong and potent smell because raw herbs have a stronger smell compared to dried and processed ones. They should also check that the raw herbs they are purchasing are free from disease, pest infestations, and chemical mold. This means they will have to examine the stems, leaves, and flowers for signs of disease. Buyers who have purchased herbs infested with pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies will probably end up transferring them to their farms and greenhouses.

• Storage and Transport

  Fresh raw herbs are highly perishable products that spoil easily within a short period of time. Therefore, buyers and wholesalers should consider how their suppliers will store and transport the raw herbs. They should ensure that the supplier stores the raw herbs in a cool, moist, and dark space and transports them in a refrigerated container to help prolong their shelf life. Wholesalers should also consider how they will store and handle the raw herbs once they are delivered to them in order to maintain their freshness and quality.

• Variety

  There is a wide variety of culinary herbs that can be used for different cuisines and skincare and medical products. Buyers should consider which raw herbs are suitable for their target market. For instance, food and beverages industries use culinary herbs, while skincare and med industries use herbs with antiseptic, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Organic Certification

  Consumers prefer organically grown raw herbs because they have not been grown using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Therefore, buyers should look for organically grown raw herbs to supply to their eco-conscious clients.

• Pricing

  Pricing is important as it directly affects profitability margins. Buyers should compare prices from different suppliers but ensure they are getting quality herbs.

Q&A

Q1. What Are Raw Herbs?

A1. Raw herbs are fresh unprocessed plants and greens that are used in cuisine, skincare, and medicine. They include raw spices, greens, and teas that are often used for extra flavor, scent, and medicinal value.

Q2. What is the Difference Between Raw Herbs and Dried Herbs?

A2. The main difference between raw and dried herbs is that raw herbs are fresh and have not been exposed to heat or processing, whereas dried herbs have been air-dried and may lose some potency, essential oils, and flavor. This makes fresh raw herbs stronger and therapeutically powerful than dried herbs.

Q3. Are Raw Herbs More Potent Than Organic Spices?

A3. Yes, raw herbs are more potent than organic spices. Organic raw herbs are in their natural state, meaning they have not been processed, cooked, or dried. This means they are fresher, have a stronger concentration of essential oils, and retain all vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. On the other hand, while organic spices are a better option compared to regular ones, they still go through the drying and grinding process, which may reduce some of their nutritional value.

Q4. Are Raw Herbs Good for Skin?

A4. Yes, many raw herbs are good for the skin and are used to manufacture natural skincare products. Skincare products with raw herbs like aloe vera, mint, rosemary, and lavender are good for the skin and help improve the overall skin condition.

Q5. How to Keep Raw Herbs Fresh for a Long Time?

A5. To keep raw herbs fresh for a long time, they should be stored in a cool, moist, and dark space. They can be kept in the refrigerator and stored in crisp drawers. They can also be transported in refrigerated containers.