The purpose of this Brief is to provide a global view of the concept of biopreservation and its potential and existing applications in the different food sectors. Biopreservation, an approach already experimented with by our ancestors, has been used empirically for centuries and now the rationale behind it is becoming increasingly popular, applied singly or in combination with novel and classical food processing technologies. The growing world population, together with the globalization of the food market and consumer demand for foods that are ready to eat, lightly preserved, fresh-tasting, and rich in flavor, nutrients, and bioactive compounds, is forcing the food industry to develop less aggressive food preservation methods.

The book, written in lucid language and organised in sequential order, could be useful for readers of various walks of life. Much of it is introductory for a student, but serves to link food producing principles with western concepts of living and hospitality. To a budding culinary student, much of it will be touch-and-go but rewarding - if mastered. The text, at the same time, is ideal for all the semesters of the three/four year diploma/degree courses.