4.1 food processing methods

what is primary food processing?

basic handling of raw food - e.g. cleaning and grading wheat, washing fruit, pasteurising milk

what is secondary food processing?

changing raw ingredients into edible forms - e.g. milling wheat into flour, fermenting milk into yoghurt

what is tertiary food processing?

combining processed ingredients into ready-to-eat products - e.g. flour made into bread, yoghurt into smoothies

what are physical processing methods?

mechanical or heat-based changes - e.g. milling, cutting, peeling, boiling, frying, emulsifying

what are chemical processing methods?

altering food with chemicals - e.g. using nitrates and nitrites to preserve meats like bacon and salami

how is salt used in food preservation?

draws out moisture, inhibits microbial growth - used in curing meats and pickling vegetables

how is sugar used in food preservation?

binds water, reduces microbial activity - used in jams, syrups and candied fruits

how is vinegar used in food preservation?

lowers pH, kills bacteria - used in pickling and chutneys

how is smoking used in food preservation?

adds flavour, dries food, inhibits bacteria - used for fish, meats and cheeses

what are positive effects of microorganisms in food?

enable fermentation, improve flavour and texture - used in bread, cheese, yoghurt, beer, mycoproteins

what are negative effects of microorganisms in food?

can cause spoilage or food poisoning if uncontrolled - e.g. mould, harmful bacteria

how do enzymes help in food production?

aid fermentation, coagulation and flavour development - e.g. rennet in cheese, enzymes in yoghurt

how can enzymes cause problems in food?

can lead to spoilage, browning or off flavours if not controlled

how does food processing add value?

increases shelf life, improves convenience, enhances flavour, creates new products, boosts income for producers

what is fair-trade food processing?

ensures fair wages, safe conditions and ethical sourcing for farmers and workers in developing countries

what is organic food processing?

avoids synthetic chemicals, GMOs and additives - uses natural methods for growing and raising food

what is free range food processing?

animals are raised with access to outdoors - considered more ethical and healthier

what is food sustainability?

producing and consuming food in ways that protect resources, biodiversity and future food systems

what is food security?

ensuring access to safe, nutritious food for all people at all times - includes availability, access and utilisation