Benefits of Food Science

1. Benefits of Food Science Introduction to Agriculture

2. What is food science? Food science is the study of the substances we eat, their makeup and processes used to alter them.

3. Two reasons substances are altered in food science: To improve the taste or nutritional value To make them available longer for consumption. This deals with the amount of time a product can be stored before it is eaten. Ex: canned fruits last longer than fresh fruits

4. Food Process A course, method, or series of operations used in producing a food product When a food is processed, it is altered in some way from its original condition.

5. How does food science improve the quality of life? Food scientists discover new ways to process existing foods and discover new types of food. Food Scientists research new processing methods for foods. These methods deal with slowing the breakdown of foods so that they last longer.

6. Food Breakdown Deterioration is a natural process that results in the breakdown of a food into different components. Preservation is a process that allows a food to be extended beyond its natural life.

7. Methods of Preservation Heating – most effective Refrigeration and freezing – most common Drying – local elevators dry grain to extend life Fermentation – used in yogurt-making Irradiation – exposes foods to radiation Food additives – adds chemicals to a food to extend life

8. Food Scientists Food scientists routinely experiment with new uses for existing foods. One example includes the processing of soybean meal to add to the meat of hamburgers. Food scientists also work to discover new plant and animal sources to use as foods.

9. Food Domestication A process by which a wild plant or animal is altered to become a reliable food source. Ex: Catfish and other types of fish are now being grown through aquaculture in a controlled environment.

10. How does food science better educate consumers? Studying food science allows consumers to understand the basic principles of different foods. This helps consumers to buy, store and prepare safe meals. Buying – consumers can recognize quality of food products Storing – learning correct storing procedures will increase the life of food and may prevent cross-contamination of foods Preparing – understanding these principles helps consumers properly prepare food products

11. Food science education in food preparation Food-borne illness – An illness that results from consuming improperly prepared or stored foods. They most commonly come from improper preparation – undercooked food. Microbes – The tiny organisms that grow in and on foods. Ex: E. coli, Salmonella