Food Dehydration and Preservation

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What is the primary goal of food dehydration in terms of microorganisms?

To inhibit the activities of food spoilage and food poisoning microorganisms (correct)

To completely eliminate all microorganisms

To change the type of microorganisms present in the food

To increase the growth rate of microorganisms

What is the ratio of H2O in relation to the dry weight of the product?

Relative humidity

Moisture content – dry basis (MCdb) (correct)

Hygroscopic Moisture

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC)

What is the term for the moisture content attained by a food material in equilibrium with a given vapor pressure of water in the surrounding air?

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) (correct)

Moisture content – dry basis (MCdb)

Hygroscopic Moisture

Relative humidity

What is the term for the moisture held within the structure of a solid body by molecular absorptive forces?

Hygroscopic Moisture Signup and view all the answers

What is the relative degree of saturation of a vapor space or body of moist air?

Relative humidity Signup and view all the answers

What is the ratio of the partial pressure of the water vapor in the air to the partial pressure of saturated vapor at the same temperature?

Relative humidity Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor at the surface of the product to the partial pressure of saturated water vapor at the same temperature?

Water Activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of classification of foods based on water activity?

Not mentioned in the text Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of minimizing dehydration time?

To reduce the risk of spoilage and maximize output Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of equilibrium moisture content in food dehydration?

It is the point at which the food material is in equilibrium with its surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver of moisture exchange between a food product and its environment?

Difference in partial pressure of water vapor Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the moisture content of a food product expressed as a ratio of H2O to dry weight?

Moisture content dry basis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of relative humidity in food dehydration?

It determines the equilibrium moisture content Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of water activity in food preservation?

It determines the growth of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of classifying foods based on water activity?

To predict the growth of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between relative humidity and water activity?

Relative humidity determines water activity Signup and view all the answers