Why is food cooked Flashcards
(16 cards)
Why is food cooked ?
- Make it safe to eat
- To improve shelf life
- To develop flavours
- To
in purge texture - To give variety in the diet
How does cooking food that fountain harmful bacteria that make us ill safe to it eat ?
Bacteria is killed if food is cooked long enough at a high temperature
How does cooking food get rid of harmful toxins in some food and what is an example of this ?
Some food contain harmful toxins that are destroyed when the food is cooked.
E.g. Red kidney beans have to be soaked, boiled and simmered before they are safe to eat
How does cooking food improve shelf life ?
- When food is cooked at high temperatures, bacteria and mould are destroyed
- This is one of the ways that food can be preserved during the manufacturing process
How does cooking food allow the development of flavour in the foods ?
- Chemical reactions take place during cooking that change the flavour of food
What is an example of food being cooked in order to preserve it for a longer shelf life ?
Milk is pasteurised (heated to a high temperature and cooled) - this helps is stay fresh for longer
What is an example of chemical reactions taking places when food is cooked so flavour is developed ?
Caramelisation can occur when onions are cooked, making them taste sweeter
How does roaring meats and vegetables create the development of flavour ?
Creates more intense flavours.
The food becomes browner and crisper with more fat added to it and as water evaporates from inside the food
How else does cooking food help the development of flavours apart from roasting meats and vegetables and what is an example of this ?
Cooking also allows the flavours of different food to combine.
E.g. when braising meat in a pot of liquid and veg
How does cooking food improve the texture ?
It makes it easier for us to chew, swallow and digest food
What can happen to foods when cooked ?
- Becomes softer
- Becomes more tender
- Some foods become more firm
- Make it easier to chew, swallow and digest
- Makes food more pleasent to eat
What is an example of food becoming softer when cooked ?
- Vegetables (broccoli, carrots) become more flexible
- Rice and pasta as their starch molecules soften
What is an example of food becoming more tender ?
Meats become more tender as solid fats in the food melt and protein softens
What is an example of foods becoming more firm when they are cooked ?
The protein in egg whites coagulate, turning the food opaque and more solid
Meats become tough and egg whites become rubbery if overcooked
What is an example of cooking food make food more pleasant to eat ?
Roast potatoes have a soft centre but a crispy outside
Baked bread has a light-textured inside but a crusty outside
What is an example of food being cooked in different ways to create variety ?
Beef can be used to create:
Grilled steak
Roast beef
Beef stew
Minced beef
Barbecued burger
