Main food preservation methods today (2024)

Food preservation is a concern that has always been on the consumer’s mind. Fortunately, as society has advanced, different methods have been found to carry it out.

In general, they can be divided into 3 groups, those that use cold, those that are based on heat and those to which chemical elements are added, such as sugar or salt. Here are the 12 most used methods currently.

12 Most Used Food Preservation Methods

1. Freezing

This technique freezes the food at temperatures below 0ºC, keeping it at a temperature of -18ºC. This method reduces the rate at which bacteria spoil the food as the water in the food turns into ice.

2. Ultracongelación

This version of freezing subjects food to very low temperatures, below -40ºC, for a short period of time, (less to 2 hours). These two techniques are the best preservation techniques, since they alter food to a lesser extent.

3. Refrigeration

This method allows to keep food cold in refrigerators, that is, to keep food at temperatures of 4ºC. In this case, the effect of bacteria is also slowed down, but in less time than the previous options.

4. Boiling

This preservation method is used as a complementary technique to freezing vegetables. It involves boiling the food to eliminate any residue or bacteria that can decompose it.

5. Fermentation

This method is used in foods such as cheeses and beer. In contrast to what is sought in food preservation, this technique seeks to create microorganisms in food. The difference is that the organisms that are created favour their gastronomic properties and prevent the development of harmful pathogens.

6. Desiccation

It consists of letting the food dry in the open air and thus eliminate moisture and water that is needed for the development of harmful microorganisms.

7. Dehydration

Similar to the previous method, but with the variant that machines that completely remove water from the food are often used.

8. Vacuum packed

This technique seeks to eliminate the air that surrounds the food and that bacteria need to contaminate them.

9. Salting or Pickled

These techniques consist of adding salt to the food. Salt absorbs water from these and inhibits the growth of microorganisms in the food. The pickled, apart from using salt, also incorporates vinegar, which is complementary to the salt in the food canning.

10. Acidification

It consists of adding acidic substances to the food to lower the pH of the food and prevent the growth of bacteria.

11. Adding sugar

It is about adding sugar to food to protect them from the proliferation of microorganisms.

12. Food additives

It is about adding chemical substances to the food that prevent harmful microorganisms from developing.

Equipment for the preservation of industrial and commercial food

For those businesses or restaurants that need professional preservation systems at Intersam we have several options that adapt to the characteristics of any project, such as cubic evaporators for conservation chambers. Do not hesitate to contact us so that we can help you in a personalized way.

Main food preservation methods today (2024)

FAQs

Main food preservation methods today? ›

Among the oldest methods of preservation are drying, refrigeration, and fermentation. Modern methods include canning, pasteurization, freezing, irradiation, and the addition of chemicals.

What are the main methods of food preservation? ›

Among the oldest methods of preservation are drying, refrigeration, and fermentation. Modern methods include canning, pasteurization, freezing, irradiation, and the addition of chemicals.

Which food preservation method is the most used today? ›

The most common method of food preservation is freezing and refrigerating, because almost every house in america and developed countries have one.

Which method of food preservation would you use answer? ›

Preservation by oil and vinegar: Oil and vinegar are used to preserve vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat. They prevent food from getting spoilt as micro-organisms cannot grow in such an environment.

What is a short answer to food preservation? ›

Food preservation can be defined as the process of treating and handling food in such a way as to stop or greatly slow down spoilage and prevent foodborne illness while maintaining nutritional value, texture and flavour. From: Food Spoilage Microorganisms, 2006.

What is the oldest method of food preservation? ›

Drying is the oldest method of food preservation. This method reduces water activity which prevents bacterial growth. Sun and wind are both used for drying.

Is the easiest and the most common method in food preservation? ›

Different ways of preserving food

Drying- This is the easiest and the most common method. The moisture content of the food is removed. Drying under the sun – food is salted and placed under the sun. Mechanical dryer – uses artificial heated air with the use of a machine.

Which of the following are common methods of food preservation? ›

Some of the most common food preservation techniques are heating, freezing, sugaring, salting, canning, pasteurization, and fermentation.

What are the three types of food storage? ›

Food storage typically appears in three types: dry, refrigerated, and frozen. Compare each of these types of food storage to understand their applications and conditions in the food industry.

What are the five methods of food preparation? ›

What are 5 methods of food preparation? Methods of food preparation include sautéing, stir-frying, steaming, baking, and grilling. These methods use different types of food preparation equipment or appliances and utilize varying cooking time and heat factors depending on the food being prepared.

What is the most common form of food preservation? ›

Freezing is one of the most common food preservation techniques we have. Today, there are cold chain programs for every part of the food industry. Restaurants, grocery stores, and packaged food manufacturers all use food freezing. You can buy food already frozen or freeze it yourself at home to keep it from spoiling.

What are the methods of natural food preservation? ›

The most common examples of natural food preservatives include sugar, salt, spices and oils. Natural food preservation techniques are canning, drying, pickling and others. The primary purpose of food preservation is to stop the oxidation process, which increases the shelf- life of any food product.

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