Food preservation plays an important role in food processing industry. Food preservation is a process in which you can keep food items fresh for a long time. Food preservatives are added to various foods to reduce the risk of food spoilage. There are mainly two categories of preservatives used in the food industry.
Class I: These are naturally available substances. Common salt, sugar, vinegar and honey are a few of them.
Class II: These are chemically synthesized substances. Benzoic acid comes under this category.
There are various types of food testing techniques used in the food processing industry to detect these food preservatives.
There are many types of food preservation techniques. These techniques ensure the quality and nutritive value of food products. Food preservation protects the quality of food products from spoilage which may occur due to microorganisms and chemical changes. Food preservation reduces the wastage of food materials. Nowadays foods are available throughout the year.
Here are a few methods of food preservation. Take a look.
Dehydrating: It is an old food preservation method. Food is exposed to a certain temperature to remove moisture. This prevents microbial activities. Ready to eat products are preserved by this method.
Canning: It is a popular food preservation technique. This technique was invented by Nicolas Appert. In this method, cooked foods are stored in sealed container. Airtight packaging is done to prevent moisture. Permanent sealing protects the foods from spoilage and physical damage. By this method, seafood and meat can be stored for a long time.
Freeze-drying: Freeze-drying is another popular food preservation technique. This technique scientifically preserves fruits and vegetables. Freeze dryer creates low temperature and preserves foods. Freeze drying prevents microbial growth. Products can be stored without discoloration.
Refrigeration: This method helps to preserve food products by reducing the rate of biochemical reaction. Cooked food products can be stored in lower temperature. It preserves the original quality and texture of food products.
Vacuum Packaging: Nowadays this method is gaining popularity. Vacuum packaging creates the vacuum. Bacteria cannot grow in absence of oxygen. By this method, food can be stored in airtight container for long period. It preserves the original nutritive quality of food products. It is used to store nuts.
Salting and pickling: Salting and pickling are best methods for long term food storage. Pickling is a process in which foods are soaked in salt solution or alcohol. Meat and fish can be stored by this method.
Sugar Syrup: Sugar is the natural preservative. Sugar is used in syrup form to preserve fruits. Sugar syrup increases the shelf-life of food products. It’s very easy method. Superficial sugar coating is given to food products. It improves the appearance of the food products.
Fermenting: Good bacterial culture is used for the fermentation process. Fermented products have health benefits. Yoghurt is a fermented product.
Smoking: Smoked meat is prepared by this food preservation method. Foods are exposed to the smoke coming from burning wood. It gives a unique flavour to food items. Smoking preserves the texture of food products.
Irradiation: In this method, foods are preserved by ionising radiation. It improves the shelf-life of food products.
Pasteurization: Milk is heated at 72 degree Celsius for 15 seconds. This method destroys harmful microorganisms. This is very effective method for milk.
Addition of Chemical preservatives: The most common chemical preservative is Sodium Benzoate. The addition of Sodium Benzoate destroys fungi and bacteria. It is widely used in pickles and juices.
These days, foods have become easier to store. You can use the above-mentioned methods for food preservation.
