Expert: Walter Hintz - 11/15/2006

Question
Hi, I'm doing an experiment on the effect of different spices (garlic, ginger, basil, cinnamon, parsley) on bacteria growth. I plan on mixing the spice with agar, letting it harden, then spreading the bacteria over.. but I wasn't sure if this would be effective. I was hoping for some feedback and comments on this idea. Thanks!

Answer
Sounds good Stephanie. I have never heard of this being done so I cannot predict the results. Science is a discovery process so when you try it you will find out. Be sure that you use a pure culture of bacteria.  Bacillus would be the best since it is the most common type.  You could also try mixing solutions of spices and after streaking the plate with the bacteria dropping  a few drops of spice solution on the plate.  This would put the bacteria in direct contact.  Let me know what happens