Question

Food has been preserved using various methods since prehistoric times. Make a list of four old methods of food preservation, which are still being used today.

Hint:

Traditional methods of food preservation are not only very important historically but are also very relevant to our present. Remember important institutes which are relevant for your course.

Answer 1

Food Preservation Techniques

• Sun Drying:
  Sun drying is an ancient method which is still used to preserve food. It removes moisture from food, preventing bacterial growth.
• Controlled Fermentation:
  Fermentation is an old technique to preserve food items which changes their taste and texture. It is used to make items like pickles, curd, or some breads.
• Salting:
  Salting is an ancient food preservation method where salt is used to dehydrate food and inhibit bacterial growth and spoilage.
• Pickling:
  Pickling is another traditional preservation method which uses brine or vinegar to preserve the food and give it a different flavor and taste.
• Candying:
  Candying involves preserving foods, mainly fruits, by coating them in sugar syrup.
• Roasting:
  Roasting, as a method of preservation, can also inhibit microbial activity because it removes moisture, and hence it can be used to extend the shelf-life of certain foods.
• Smoking:
  Smoking of foods involves the use of wood smoke to preserve and flavor food products.
• Baking:
  Baking or roasting foods can reduce their moisture content and hence act as a method of preservation.
• Using Spices, Oil, Sugar, etc.:
  The use of spices, oil, and sugar to create an environment unfavorable to bacteria or microbes is a preservation technique still used in a variety of ways.

Food Technology Institutes

• Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore:
  The Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore is one of the key Indian government institutes offering specialized courses in food technology, which also conducts research in this field.
• National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship Management (NIFTEM), Sonepat:
  The National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship Management in Sonepat is another major center for teaching and research in this field.

Food Technology Benefits

• Storage and Processing of Agricultural Products:
  Food processing and technology helps to store and process agricultural and horticultural produce. It also helps in better post-harvest management.
• Meeting Consumer Demand:
  Food technology allows for the increased production of food products in the face of changing lifestyles. It also serves globalization and the growing consumer demand for packaged products.
• Providing Safe Products:
  It helps in producing food products that are safe, and have minimum amounts of chemicals, pesticides, and preservatives.
• Increasing Shelf Life:
  Food processing techniques are used to extend the shelf life of food products by keeping them fresh for longer.
• Convenient Food Products:
  Food processing makes food items more usable, palatable, concentrated, and easy to transport. This has allowed the processing of perishable items.
• Reduced Preparation Time:
  Food processing makes food more convenient by reducing the time required for cooking. It also makes certain foods instantly usable.
• Value Addition:
  Food processing increases the value of various food products, giving them better market prices and economic value.
• Nutrient Content:
  Fortification is another key technology in food processing that is used to increase the nutritional content of staple foods.
• Meeting the Demands of Lifestyle Diseases:
  With the increased prevalence of lifestyle diseases, food technology can be used to modify the nutrient content in specific foods.
• Economic Growth:
  It contributes to the economic growth of the country.
• Employment Opportunities:
  Food processing is also a major source of employment and can generate opportunities in the rural sector as well.