Abstract: A sterilized whole spice is prepared by coating a whole spice with an edible animal protein coating material and then heating the coated spice in a sealed rotating autoclave in the presence of added water vapor at a temperature of 105.degree. to 110.degree. C. for about 5 minutes to about 2 hours.
Abstract: A process for sterilizing spices, in particular whole spices, by heat treatment in a sealed container at a temperature above 100.degree. C. and coating with an edible material. This provides profound sterilization without loss of aroma and taste.