Many different food preservation techniques have been developed over the centuries. Since food is one of our most important needs, preservation processes have been used to help keep food from going bad. Food storage preservation techniques include freezing and refrigerating, canning, dehydrating, salting, pickling, and freeze drying.
Proper food storage preservation is important because it can extend the life of foods. When not properly preserved, food and beverages can go bad quickly and go to waste. Food preservation is a process which either kills the bacteria in food or slows down the bacteria so that it does not spoil the food as quickly.
Refrigerating and freezing are two of the most common ways to preserve food. When food is put in the freezer the bacteria is frozen and cannot spoil the food. When food is put in the refrigerator disease causing bacteria are slowed down so that the food does not spoil as fast. When milk is left on the counter at room temperature, it goes bad within a few hours. But when placed in the refrigerator the bacteria in the milk are slowed down. This gives the milk a much longer shelf life.
People have canned food since around 1825. Canned food makes great food storage because it last for quite a long time. When food is canned, it is first boiled to kill off all of the bacteria. It is then quickly canned to keep other bacteria out. Canning is a great food preservation technique but it does alter the food. Since it is boiled, the taste, texture, and nutritional value change.
Dehydrated foods include powdered milk, dried meat, dried vegetables like sun dried tomatoes, and so on. Dehydrating often alters food to the point where a new product is created–like beef being turned into beef jerky. Dehydrated food is popular for food storage because it last for an incredibly long time without going bad.
Pickling and salting are also common ways to preserve food. The process of pickling uses salt and acid to preserve food and stave off bacteria. A bath of acid is not a hospitable environment for disease causing bacteria. Pickling was once used to preserve all types of items for food storage purposes, but today it is generally only used to turn cucumbers into pickles. Salting meat is a popular process because meat can last for years if salted correctly. Salt draws out the moisture in meat and kills bacteria.
Freeze drying is a popular food storage preservation technique because it does not alter the food like other processes do. It leaves the food in a state of suspended animation and when reconstituted the food gains back its original taste, aromas, textures, and nutritional content. During the freeze drying process most of the water in the food is removed. This is what keeps the food from spoiling. Many families buy delicious, pre-made meals from a food storage company. Freeze dried food is also a plus because it can be stored at room temperature.
Tags: food, food storage, freeze dried food