(a) Explain the term "rancidity". What damage is caused by rancidity?
(b) What type of chemical reaction is responsible for causing rancidity?
(c) State and explain the various methods for preventing or retarding rancidity of food.
(b) What type of chemical reaction is responsible for causing rancidity?
(c) State and explain the various methods for preventing or retarding rancidity of food.
(a) Rancidity is the process of oxidation of fats and oils that spoil the food in such a way that it becomes unpleasant to taste and smell.
Rancidity damages food items due to the development of unpleasant smell, generally in fatty and oily foods.
(b) Oxidation is responsible for causing rancidity.
(c) For preventing or retarding rancidity of food, following methods can be applied:
(1) Use of antioxidants:
Antioxidants are those substances that prevent oxidation.
(2) Use of nitrogen gas:
Nitrogen gas is added during the packaging of the potato chips to prevent oxidation of fat and oil because it is an unreactive gas.
(3) Use of airtight containers:
Preserving food in airtight containers reduces its exposure to oxygen and thus slows down the oxidation process.
(4) Use of refrigerator:
Preserving food in the refrigerator slows down rancidity.
(a) Rancidity is the process of oxidation of fats and oils that spoil the food in such a way that it becomes unpleasant to taste and smell.
Rancidity damages food items due to the development of unpleasant smell, generally in fatty and oily foods.
(b) Oxidation is responsible for causing rancidity.
(c) For preventing or retarding rancidity of food, following methods can be applied:
(1) Use of antioxidants:
Antioxidants are those substances that prevent oxidation.
(2) Use of nitrogen gas:
Nitrogen gas is added during the packaging of the potato chips to prevent oxidation of fat and oil because it is an unreactive gas.
(3) Use of airtight containers:
Preserving food in airtight containers reduces its exposure to oxygen and thus slows down the oxidation process.
(4) Use of refrigerator:
Preserving food in the refrigerator slows down rancidity.
