Significance and Principles of Food Preservation

Food Preservation

Preservation of food is a major step in assuring adequate food supply for a nation. Foods that are obtained from plant and animal sources should be preserved well. This will ensure continuous supply throughout the year with no shortage of food. Food preservation is the process of prevention of decay or spoilage of food and helps it to be stored in a fit condition for future use.

Significance and Principles of Food Preservation

Food preservation is a significant procedure in keeping food safe. It ensures the following:

a.     Increases the shelf life of food

b.     Ensures food supply during scarcity and drought

c.      Adds variety in the diet

d.     Saves time and energy

e.      Minimizes food wastage

f.       Stabilizes the price of food and

g.     Increases the availability of seasonal foods throughout the year.

Principles of Food Preservation

I. Prevention or delay of microbial decomposition

a.     By keeping away undesirable micro­ organisms. (Eg: asepsis)

b.     By removal of microorganisms. (Eg: filtration)

c.      By hindering the growth and activi-ty of microorganisms. Eg: refrigera-tion, drying, dehydration, addition of chemical preservatives.

d.     By killing the microorganisms. Eg: by heat or radiation

II. Prevention or delay of self-decompo-sition of food

a.     By destruction or inactivation of enzymes Eg: by blanching.

b.     By prevention or delaying the ­chemical reactions. Eg: prevention of oxidation using lime juice/citric acid.

III. Prevention of damage caused by insects, animals and mechanical causes

The details of basic principles and meth-ods of food preservation are given below: