FOOD PROCESSING METHODS

CONTENT

1. Introduction
2. Reasons for Processing Food
3. Food Processing Methods
4. Discussion on the Effects of Inappropriate Processing

Introduction

Most foods we buy are in their natural state, for example, yams, meat oranges, corn or maize. Many undergo different processes before we buy them as food. For example, gari, yam flour, wheat, tomato puree, canned fruit juices, corn flakes, spaghetti, etc. These foods are processed for different reasons and in different ways depending on the nature of food.

Spray washing of harvested tomatoes prior to processing

Reasons for Processing Food

The following are reasons for processing food:

1. For safety: Processing food kills micro-organisms and bacteria.
2. To improve flavour, texture, and over-all quality of food.
3. To turn it into a convenient size and shape for eating.

Food Processing Methods

The food processing methods include the following:

1. Milling: Milling is the process of grinding grains into flour, or meal, e.g.