Question

Mango is a seasonal fruit, yet various mango products such as pickles are available offseason as well. It is possible that by addition of certain substances, such as salts, oil, etc. products can be prevented from being spoilt. How does the use of oil help to prevent the spoilage of pickles?

• A. By preventing the growth of microbes.
• B. By allowing the growth of microbes.
• C. By providing nutrients to microbes.
• D. By supplying oxygen to microbes.

Answer 1

The correct option is A By preventing the growth of microbes.

$\bullet$ We know that the cause of food spoilage is primarily due to the growth of microorganisms in food materials. Hence, different methods are adopted to preserve food at home. While making pickles, salt and oil are added. Fishes are preserved by adding salt or smoking them.

$\bullet$ Oil helps in preventing the spoilage of pickles by preventing the growth of microbes. Oil forms a hydrophobic layer on the food and due to the lack of moisture, microbial growth is drastically cut off.