Slide 1
The Magic Behind Our Food: Food Processing
Speaker Notes: Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today, we’re diving into the world of food
processing, the unseen magic that brings a wide variety of food to our tables. We’ll explore
three common methods used to transform raw ingredients into the delicious and convenient
food options we all know and love.
Slide 2
What is Food Processing?
● Processing food simply means transforming it from its raw state.
● This can involve cleaning, chopping, cooking, packaging, and more.
● Main goals:
○ Preservation: Extends shelf life to reduce waste.
○ Convenience: Makes food easier to prepare and consume.
○ Safety: Destroys harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Speaker Notes: Food processing isn’t just about making chips and frozen dinners. It
encompasses a wide range of techniques used to ensure our food is safe, convenient, and lasts
longer. From the basic cleaning of vegetables to the complex pasteurization of milk, processing
plays a vital role in our modern food system.
Slide 3
Method 1: Thermal Processing
● Uses heat to kill bacteria and extend shelf life.
● Includes methods like:
○ Canning: Sealing food in airtight containers and heating them to high temperatures.
○ Pasteurization: Heating liquids like milk to a specific temperature for a short time.
○ Baking and boiling: Common household methods that use heat for preservation.
Speaker Notes: Thermal processing is one of the oldest and most effective methods. By
applying heat, we can destroy harmful microorganisms that can cause spoilage and foodborne
illness. Canning, a familiar example, uses heat to create a vacuum seal that keeps food safe for
extended periods. Pasteurization, another heat-based method, ensures the safety of milk and
other beverages. Even the act of baking or boiling your dinner is a form of thermal processing!
Slide 4
Method 2: Freezing
● Rapidly lowers the temperature of food to stop spoilage.
● Slows down the growth of bacteria and preserves nutrients.
● Wide variety of frozen foods available:
○ Fruits and vegetables
○ Meat and seafood
○ Pre-made meals
Speaker Notes: Freezing is another powerful tool for food preservation. By rapidly reducing the
temperature, we can significantly slow down the activities of enzymes and microorganisms that
cause spoilage. This method helps retain the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of food.
From frozen peas to pre-made pizzas, freezing allows us to enjoy a vast selection of convenient
and delicious options.
Slide 5
Method 3: Drying
● Removes water from food to prevent spoilage.
● Concentrates flavor and nutrients.
● Examples:
○ Dried fruits (raisins, apricots)
○ Dried herbs and spices
○ Instant coffee
Speaker Notes: Drying is a technique that removes moisture from food, creating a shelf-stable
product. This not only prevents spoilage but also intensifies the flavors and nutrients of the food.
From the familiar dried fruit snacks to the instant coffee that kickstarts our mornings, drying
offers a convenient and versatile way to preserve food.
Slide 6
Conclusion
● Food processing plays a vital role in our modern food system.
● Extends shelf life, reduces waste, and ensures food safety.
● Provides convenience and variety in our food choices.
Speaker Notes: In conclusion, food processing is a complex and essential part of our food
system. By employing various methods like thermal processing, freezing, and drying, we can
enjoy a wide variety of safe, convenient, and delicious food options. As we continue to explore
new technologies, food processing will play an even greater role in ensuring a secure and
sustainable food supply for generations to come. Thank you for your time!
