Question

Explain the different methods of food preservation. [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Methods of food preservation:
Chemical Method:

1. Salts and edible oils are the common chemicals used to check the growth of microorganisms.
   
2. Sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulphite are common preservatives.

Preservation by Common Salt:

1. Meat and fish are covered with dry salt to check the growth of bacteria.

Preservation by Sugar:

1. Sugar reduces the moisture content which inhibits the growth of bacteria which spoil food.

Preservation by Oil and Vinegar:

1. Use of oil and vinegar prevents spoilage of pickles because bacteria cannot live in such an environment.

Heat and Cold Treatments:

1. Boiling kills many microorganisms.
   
2. Low temperature inhibits the growth of microbes.

Storage and Packing:

1. Things sealed in air tight packets prevent the attack of microbes.