Overview
This lecture covers the classification, uses, and importance of various tools and equipment in food processing and preservation, emphasizing safety and accuracy.
Food Preservation Review
- Food preservation prevents spoilage by controlling bacteria, mold, and yeast.
- Common preservation methods include salting, pickling, drying, and smoking.
- Sugar is used in preservation through methods like making jams.
- Pickling involves soaking food in brine (salt solution).
- Drying removes water from food to extend shelf life.
Classification of Food Processing Tools & Equipment
Measuring Tools
- Weighing scales ensure accurate and uniform ingredient amounts.
- Measuring cups and spoons provide precision for liquids and small ingredients.
- Food thermometers check internal temperatures for safety.
- Refractometers measure sugar concentration in liquids.
- Salinometers determine salt content in brine solutions.
Cutting Equipment
- Knives are used for slicing and chopping ingredients to uniform sizes.
- Fillet knives are designed for preparing fish with precision.
- Descalers remove scales from fish for hygiene and safety.
Smoking Equipment
- Smoking racks (backlad) and bamboo baskets facilitate smoking and drying fish.
- Wooden trays (dinarion) hold food during smoking.
- Biste allows for separation and collection of dried fish.
- Panicup covers and panid oak scoops help in brining and handling fish during processing.
Salting Equipment
- Oil drums and wooden vats serve as containers for salting fish and meat.
- Earthen pots store salted foods.
- Wooden shovels help mix salt and fish for even curing.
Other Equipment
- Chopping boards provide a safe cutting surface and prevent cross-contamination.
- Tongs help handle food and hot items safely.
- Utility trays transport and mix ingredients.
- Concealers (sealers) create airtight seals for jars and cans.
- Smokehouses are used for smoking and storing preserved foods.
- Refrigerators and freezers maintain freshness and prolong storage.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Preservation — technique to prevent food spoilage and prolong shelf life.
- Brine — saltwater solution used in pickling and salting.
- Refractometer — tool for measuring sugar concentration in liquids.
- Salinometer — tool for measuring salt concentration.
- Backlad — bamboo drying rack for fish.
- Biste — woven basket for collecting dried fish.
- Dinarion — wooden tray for smoking food.
- Concealer — tool for airtight sealing of jars/cans.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete the classification activity by sorting tool images into the correct categories: Measuring Tools, Cutting Equipment, Smoking Equipment, Salting Equipment, and Other Equipment.