Food preparation methods are the processes involved when handling food prior to consumption. These processes are undertaken to ensure food is proper for consumption i.e., safe, flavourful etc. Food preparation involves the acquisition of raw ingredients and turning them to what can be readily consumed. Food preparation also involves the processing and packaging of foods.
Food preparation methods include:
- Cleaning-Though could seem a rather obvious practise, it is important to clean foods properly before cooking or consuming them. This enables the removal of dirt and parasites. Don’t undermine the significance of cleaning when it comes to food preparation because it allows you to minimize the probability of food poisoning incidences. Emphasis should be placed on cleaning foods thoroughly be they vegetables, fruits or meats.
- Cooking-There are various methods of cooking which we will discuss in our subsequent posts. Cooking is a food preparation method useful in destroying undesirable organisms such as bacteria, enhancing the palatability of foods and increasing the nutrient value of foods.
- Packaging and processing– The processing and packaging of foods is performed on packaged /processed foods. This food preparation method preserves a food; and informs about the nutrient value of a particular food on nutrition label.
Importance of food preparation
- To reduce the probability of food poisoning– Food poisoning occurs when harmful substances (toxins) in a food are ingested when food is handled, prepared or stored improperly. When you employ the food preparation methods correctly, you are likely to reduce your susceptibility to food poisoning.
- To promote food quality – It fosters nutrient adequacy, allows for better nutrient absorption and minimizes the possibility of ingesting contaminated foods.
Food preparation methods are essential for food to be safe and suitable for consumption. Integrating food preparation methods is useful in lowering the likelihood of food poisoning and ensuring that food is ready for consumption.
Particular food preparation methods such as packaging and processing are performed on packaged foods. These methods are important in informing the nutrient content of a food, preserving food and overall, ensuring that a food is suitable for consumption.