Food, Humans, And Microorganisms
Food, microorganisms, and humans have had a long and interesting interaction that developed long before recorded history.
Food is not only of nutritional value to those who consume them but it is also an ideal medium for microorganism growth.
As much as microorganisms affect food they can also be used to preserve and transform raw foods into gastronomic delight including chocolate, pickles, sausage, wine, beer, and alcoholic products.
With awareness of consumers about food safety and quality, there is high demand for preservatives both synthetic and nonsynthetic.
Natural antimicrobials (plants and herbs) due to the fact that they contain essential oils, which have preservation effects against microorganisms and are used to preserve food.
Many foods contain natural antimicrobial substances:
- Fruits and Vegetables - Coumarins
- Cow milk and eggs - Lysos
- Herbs and Spices - Aldehydic
- Garlic - Allicin
Essential oils are very effective against many pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms.
Role of Microorganisms in food
Food Production
Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
Popularly known for making the dough rise, majorly used in the baking processes. It ferments sugar to produce carbon dioxide, the gas that gives the porous structure of bakery products.
It also contributes to the flavors by the formation of alcohol, aldehyde, and esters. Bakery products like; doughnuts, cake, and chin-chin.
Also in wine production, yeast is responsible for the fermentation process. This produces the alcohol in wine. Other products using yeast are vinegar, pickles, and beer.
Production of Fermented Milk
Examples of microorganisms used in milk production are Lactobacillus lactococcus and Bifidobacterium. Lactic bacteria are used in different tablets and capsules which are sold as supplements in the health food industry.
This supplement restores the balance of intestinal flora and also increases the quality of life.
Probiotics
This are like food supplements used in yoghurt and other fermented milk products. It influences immunity and hence prevents or make diarrhea disease milder.
Benefit of probiotics;
- Decrease the risk of column cancer.
- Decrease cholestrol absorption.
- Produce acid that decrease the pH in the gut thus, increase the absorption of minerals such as calcium.
Cheese Production
Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium camelberiti helps in the production of cheese with a starter culture.
As the starter culture grows in the milk it converts the sugar lactose into lactic acid which ensures the correct level of acidity and gives the cheese its moisture.
As the cheese ripens, it gives a balanced aroma, taste, and texture.
As much as they play roles in the production of food, they also cause food spoilage.
FOOD SPOILAGE
A major factor that defects food spoilage is food storage life also known as shelf life. A food is considered spoilt if it is contaminated with any microorganism which renders it unsuitable for human consumption.
Food storage method differs for all kinds of food,same as their storage life cycle.
Storage Life Cycle of Various Foods
Food Product Storage Life
- Raw beef 1-2 days
- Raw Fish 1-2 days
- Raw Poultry 1-2 days
- Fresh Fruits 1-7 days
- Leafy vegetables 1-2 days
- Root Crops 1-20 days
- Dry Seeds 360 days or more
Causes of Food Spoilage
- Growth and Activity of Microrganisms
Key microorganism that causes food spoilage are bacteria, yeast and molds. They produce various enzymes that digest various constituents of food.
This is the action of enzymes found in animal plant tissue. This enzyme digest the various food component after the death of plant or animals.
This are chemical reactions which occur in plant and animal tissue but not catalysed by enzymes.
Includes weevils, ants, rats, coakroaches, mice, beets, and larva stages of some insects. Some of this insect are present in grains such as maize and beans. They are possible transmission of pathogenic agents such as Salmonelosis by rat.
This includes those changes which are caused by freezing, drying, burning, and pressure.
Hope you liked this content? Comment below how you store and preserve your foodstuffs👍.
Written by Ayomide Adeoye
Beautifully written. Most of my food stuff are stored in the refrigerator, that is, except from raw ones like yam, beans, rice, etc, which are stored in a cool and dry place.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteGood way to preserve your food stuffs.
Very educative! I want more of this.
ReplyDeleteThank you! We will surely give you more!.
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