Question

Why should we preserve food?

Answer 1

Rancidity:

• Rancidity refers to the oxidation of fats and oils that can be detected by a change in taste and smell.
• For example, When butter is preserved for an extended period of time, the taste and smell change.

Food preservation:

• Food materials are damaged by a variety of elements such as the environment, microorganisms, rats, and other situations.
• Food preservation is required to prevent food from being wasted, polluted, or spoilt.
• Food preservation methods include drying, canning, refrigeration, and fermentation.

Objectives of Food Preservation:

Following are the important objectives of food preservation:

• To keep microbiological contamination at bay.
• To eliminate germs.
• To reduce food deterioration and poisoning.

Food preservation methods:

• Salting - Salting is the process of preserving food with salt. Fruits can be preserved for a long time by salting them. Salting can also be used to preserve meats and fish.
• Sugar - Another typical preservative found in jams and jellies is sugar. Sugar is an excellent moisture absorber. It inhibits microbial development by lowering moisture content.
• Heat and Cold Methods - Boiling and chilling prevent approximately $70\%$of bacteria growth. Microorganisms that cannot withstand high temperatures are killed by boiling. As a result, it aids in food preservation.
• Smoking - Smoking prevents dehydration and thus deterioration in fish and meat. Wood smoke includes a high concentration of antimicrobial chemicals, which inhibit the rancidification of animal fats.
• Food preservation methods include drying, canning, refrigeration, and fermentation.
• Modern food preservation methods include the use of preservatives, pasteurization, freezing, and irradiation.