Highly overlooked, the fact is that all food items that we consume have biological origin.
Therefore, basic knowledge of biology is very important for the food production, distribution and preparation.
In fact we should have the proper knowledge to ensure that our food does not contain any kinds of impurities.
Food gets deteriorated because of the following reasons: - Growth of the micro-organisms being caused due to surface contamination, especially in the processed diet.
- Action of the enzymes is responsible for food spoilage too.
You should make a note of the fact that many fruits and vegetables contain enzymes which get delivered into our systems when these fruits are bought and eaten raw.
Food spoilage and deterioration are caused through food poisoning and decay due to different bacteria.
As the bacterium grows, enzymes are released into liquid surroundings and they spoil the products in the external digestive system.
This is the reason for food spoilage and is responsible for lowering the nutritional value.
You should also notice that fungi and bacteria have a large role in recycling the biological waste products of nature.
Bacteria and other viruses are also responsible for infectious diseases in animals, plants and human beings.
These are some conditions that encourage growth of these micro-organisms: - Suitable temperature - Organic food (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) - Air - Moisture - Suitable pH levels Suitable Temperatures: With every 10°C hike in the temperature, activity of enzymes and micro-organisms is doubled from the range of 0°-60°C.
Above this temperature, heat destroys the enzymes and their living cells.
The changes are slowed with decreasing temperatures.
In the refrigerator, food decays slowly and can be preserved for a longer period.
But this does not kill the bacteria; instead it makes them less active.
What Should be Done?: Food is usually preserved by simply drying it in the sun.
Water can be added while eating so that it gets rehydrated and if taken dry, the digestive juices of our body moisten it.
Sugary and salted foods can also be preserved with the help of similar techniques so that water of the food does not become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Removal Air: Vacuum packing of certain foods is used for avoiding the breeding of bacteria causing food poisoning.
Some of these foods are cheese and bacon.
Altering pH Levels: Pickling and making use of vinegar can lower the pH level ensuring that the enzymes do not exist in the food.
By using different food preservation techniques as stated above, you can avoid food spoilage altogether.