If you’re into food science, you must have heard about food technology and how it is one of the most essential parts of this branch. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of food technology before we dive deep into its advantages and uses.
What is Food Technology?
Food Technology is the sort of science that directly deals with the principles and techniques involved in the processing and preserving the food substances. The application helps in making manufacturing safe and makes the food nutritious. The study of food technology is to develop new methods and systems for keeping food products safe and resistant from natural harms such as bacteria and other micro-organisms. Food processing helps in preservation enhances the flavor and reduces the toxins in the food product which results in better distributional efficiency and easy marketing of the food product.The food processing industries are involved in processes such as primary and secondary processing, preservation, quality management, packaging, and labeling of a variety of products such as dairy products, fish products, fruit & vegetable products, meat & poultry products, confectionery products, and food grains.
- Dairy
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- Bakery and confectionery items
- Oil and oilseed processing
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat- Fish
- Cereals
Importance of Food Technology
Food Science and Technology is not just applied science which is based on chemistry for the study of food. It’s a combination of various studies such as biology, biochemistry, engineering, molecular biology and genetics, nutritional and health science, and microbiology which is aimed at providing a better understanding of food components and materials, their conversion to healthy and safe products, and delivery to the consumers. The technological advancement in 2020 is to enhance the supply of food and to increase the well-being of the growing population are discussed. Future challenges and potential solutions are also discussed during the entire process of food technology. Production to the consumption food system is complex and our food which is diverse, tasty, nutritious, safe, and less costly, has become easily accessible. Technological advancements should be accelerated to feed the booming population.
Benefits of Food Technology
Foodtech is a term that is uncommon to most people, but it’s starting to pop up again and again in small circles across the globe. One may be familiar with the term food technology (many food science-related websites have it covered), but food technology is more than just a branch of food science. It’s new and exciting and as yet not entirely defined. Research on the spoilage of wine has been done by many until today yet food technology has taken an astounding height. Our society has evolved and grown over time and so has the food that we consume and encourage others to consume. Food is at the epicenter of human existence and thus one of the essential elements of human survival. There’s a growing curiosity about healthy food which eventually will lead to a healthy lifestyle. In this case, the knowledge about the food and the technology that’s used to prepare it, play a vital role. As we mentioned before, food science and technology is a combination of various studies such as biology, biochemistry, engineering, molecular biology and genetics, nutritional and health science, and microbiology which is aimed at providing a better understanding of food components and materials, their conversion to healthy and safe products and delivery to the consumers. Rapid urbanization around the world and lifestyle changes have led to tremendous growth in this field.
Food science encompasses a study of the physical, biological and chemical elements that constitute food and food technology is taking this science ahead and applying it to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution and safe consumption of food. It also consists of the composition, nutritional make-up, and new processes designed to reinvent and increase food resources. Activities like enhancing food products, increasing its durability, checking its safety, or making Food Technology is responsible for consumers to be more informed about the food they consume and food scientists and technologists have jointly contributed to advancing this science and ensuring a healthy and abundant supply of food. Most commonly known inventions revolving around food science and technology include frozen foods, pasteurized milk, nutritious food, canned food items, ready to eat meals, etc.
India is a rapidly growing country in terms of population with millions of people working for long hours and hectic work schedules. This leads to an increase in demand for canned food items and ready-to-eat instant dishes. This hectic schedule of Indians hardly leaves any time left for people to take care of their health, which leads to the rising demand for healthy, organic food items. There is a growing awareness of factors like quality, safety, and nutrition of food. Besides, India is a country that is dominated by agriculture which is also instrumental in the growth of this field.
Conclusion
Food Technology is a growing field that is under continuous evolvement and growth because of the increasing demand for food that is healthy and safe for consumption. Food science and technology not only ensures safe food for consumption but also ensures quality and nutritious food.
