Question

How can we prevent the spoilage of food?

Answer 1

Food Preservation :
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Food preservation is the process of treating and handling food to stop or greatly slow down the spoilage (loss of quality, edibility or nutritive value) caused by microorganisms.

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Here are some methods of food preservation :

◼ Drying :
This method reduce water sufficient to prevent and delay bacterial growth. Drying also reduces weight, making food more portable. Some common food that are preserved by drying are apples, peas, bananas, mangoes, papaya, apricot and coconut.

◼ Preservation using sugar and salt :
Sugar and salt reduce the water content and make it unavailable for the growth of microorganisms. As a result, the food is preserved. Meat and fish are covered with salt to check bacterial growth.

◼ Preservation using chemical preservatives :
Chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium mete bisulphite (KMS) are used to preserve jams, jellies and pickles. These chemicals inhabit the growth microorganisms.

◼ Heat the cold treatment :
Food items like milk are usually boiled before they are used to stored. Boiling kills many microorganisms.
Some food stuffs are stored in the refrigerator as low temperature inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

◼ Preservation using acetic acid :
Acetic acid in the form of vinegar is used in the manufacture of several pickled products. Vinegar also stops the growth of microorganisms. Critic acid and phosphoric acid are added to carbonated beverages and fruit drinks for both flavouring and preservation.

◼ Canning :
It involves cooking food, sealing it in sterile cans or jars, and boiling the containers to kill or weaken any remaining bacteria as a form of sterilization. However, food preservation by canning or boiling is at immediate risk of sterilization.

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Hope it helps.