[Biology Class Notes] on Food Production Pdf for EXAM

Food is something that both animals and humans consume for survival. It is essentially derived from various plants and animals but before consumption, by humans, they are processed. Thus, food production is the process of transforming raw ingredients into edible food products. These converted food products can either be used for home cooking directly or by the food processing industries. The process of food production can be segregated into a number of stages and each of them is very important. In the food processing industry, the process starts with primary steps of cleaning, segregation, etc., and ends when the food is packed and marketed. 

 

How is Food Produced?

Most of the products that we consume are sourced from plants and animals. The products consist of grains, cereals, pulses, honey, milk, fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, honey, and many more. We, humans, are very much dependent on plants and animals for our existence. They provide us with a variety of food products that are used in our day-to-day life consumption. The plants and animals as a whole are responsible for the supply of nearly 90 % of the global energy.

 

Types of Food Production

Food production can be categorized into different types and some of them have been listed below:

• Cultivating

• Harvesting

• Crop management

• Preserving

• Fermenting

• Crop production

• Pickling

• Cooking at restaurants

• Production of drinks

• Broiling

• Grilling

• Baking

• Stewing

• Braising

 

Methods of Food Production

There are several forms of food production that are used today. However, while some of them can be practiced by the cooks at home, others need specialized industrial equipment. Food production and food processing though interrelated are two different terms. But they often overlap each other and a process can be used for both processing and producing. Food processing particularly refers to the processes used for changing the raw materials into finished edible products. Food production on the other hand refers to processes for making the food ready to eat. So, it can be said that cooking is a term generally used for food production. Food production also incorporates in itself the steps that are involved in preparing a meal from the grocery products. Some methods of food production are mentioned below.

• Slicing

• Cutting and chopping

• Marinating

• Boiling

• Broiling

• Fermenting

• Curing

• Emulsifying

• Frying

• Grilling

• Steaming

• Mixing

• Grinding

 

Introduction to the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is responsible for providing services, typically services related to food and accommodation in hotels, resorts, theme parks, etc. Organizations like restaurants and hotels are considered as hospitality units and include various divisions like cleaning, cooking, management, etc.

 

The hospitality industry is not limited to only food production and accommodation. The individuals related to this industry and profession need to be well–educated. The function of food production is not limited to cooking and serving food. It is much more than that and they have to be innovative while building a strong image and managing the customers. 

 

The defining feature of the hospitality industry is its complete and utmost focus on customer satisfaction. Though this is common to all the other industries, this particular industry relies completely on the customer’s satisfaction. The businesses associated with the hospitality industry are generally providers of luxury services. Not many businesses in this industry are found to be providing basic services to their customers.

 

The industry is growing at a fast pace and has a lot of potential for the future. One of the most significant contributors in the hospitality industry is the food and beverages industry. The food and beverage industry is comprised of establishments that prepare meals, snacks, and beverages ready for immediate consumption. 

 

Introduction to Kitchen

Kitchens are rooms in a house or in commercial establishments being utilized for cooking and/or preparation of food. Places like hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc. have commercial kitchens which are larger than the kitchens we see in our houses. The commercial kitchens are better–equipped and professional in outlook as compared to residential kitchens. The person who is in – charge of managing the entire kitchen, cooking and the staff called the chef. There are various units that are involved in the preparation and cooking of food in such kitchens. These units are involved with the selection of raw materials to waste disposal of the kitchen. Generally, commercial kitchens are subject to public health laws. It is very important to keep in mind that, while preparing and cooking food all the instructions regarding safety and personal hygiene are followed. But these norms should not be restricted to the commercial kitchen only. Rather they should be followed in every kitchen as health and hygiene are very important aspects related to the food we eat.

 

Summary 

• Food is important for the survival of both animals and humans.

• The process of converting raw ingredients into edible food is called food production.

• The process of food production can be segregated into different stages like cleaning, sorting, etc.

• Nearly all the food that we consume is received from plants and animals.

• Examples of food products sourced from plants and animals are grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables, honey, egg, milk, meat, etc.

• Cultivating, crop production and management, harvesting, fermenting, baking, stewing, braising, grilling are all types of food production.

• Slicing, cutting, marinating, boiling, broiling, frying, mixing, grinding are the methods of food production.

• The hospitality industry is responsible for providing services, typically services related to food and accommodation in hotels, resorts, theme parks, etc.

• The most significant feature of the hospital industry is its focus on customer satisfaction which is the foundation of this industry.

• The food and beverages industry is one of the most vital sectors of the hospitality industry.

• Kitchens are the rooms assigned for the process of preparation and cooking of food.

• To know more about food production, get the best assistance from the top subject matter experts of . You can also book a one-on-one session with a qualified teacher to find out more about biology and food production in particular.