Mangoes only grow in summer, so how do we enjoy mango pickle and dried mango all year? Discover the traditional methods people use to preserve food.
People have used clever methods for generations to make seasonal food last much longer.
Removing moisture, as with sun-dried mango slices (aam papad) or dried fish
Preserving in oil, salt, and spices, as with mango pickle (achaar)
Cooking fruit with sugar, as with mango squash or jam
Cold storage slows down the growth of microbes that spoil food
Why does drying food help it last longer?
Microbes that spoil food need moisture to grow — removing the water stops them
Food spoilage is when food goes bad naturally (changed smell, colour, mould, or taste). Food wastage is food that's thrown away even though it's still good to eat.
A plate of food is left over after a big meal and thrown away even though it's still fresh. Is this spoilage or wastage?
Wastage — the food was still good but not eaten or saved
1. Name one traditional method of preserving mangoes.
2. What are signs that food has spoiled?
3. Why does salt help preserve pickles?
4. Is refrigeration a way of preserving food? Why does it work?
5. What is the difference between food spoilage and food wastage?