Preserving Food

key notes :

What is Food Preservation?

• Food preservation is the process of treating and handling food to prevent it from spoiling.
• It helps in keeping food fresh for longer periods of time.
• Preserved food can be stored and used later, reducing food waste.

Why Do We Preserve Food?

• To keep food safe to eat.
• To extend the shelf life of food.
• To maintain the nutritional value and taste of food.
• To store food for times when it’s not available (like seasonal fruits or vegetables).

Common Methods of Preserving Food

• Refrigeration and Freezing: Slows down the growth of bacteria and keeps food cold or frozen.

• Drying: Removes moisture from food, making it harder for bacteria to grow (e.g., dried fruits).

• Canning: Involves sealing food in airtight containers and heating to kill bacteria.

• Salting: Using salt to draw out moisture from food, preventing bacteria from spoiling it (e.g., salted fish).

• Pickling: Soaking food in vinegar or brine to prevent spoilage.

• Sugaring: Preserving fruits by cooking them with sugar to create jams or jellies.

How Preservation Helps Us

• Preventing Spoilage: It stops food from rotting due to bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms.
• Reducing Food Waste: We can save food that might otherwise go bad and store it for future use.
• Saving Money: We can buy food in larger quantities and store it for longer periods.
• Ensuring Food Availability: Some foods are seasonal, and preservation allows us to enjoy them all year round.

Safety in Food Preservation

• It’s important to follow proper hygiene and safety practices during preservation.
• Incorrectly preserved food can become contaminated and unsafe to eat.

Let’s practice!