Explain food preservation and meal planning. List four points for meal planning and four methods for food preservation.

Here are the answers to question 1:

a) (i) Food preservation is the process of treating and handling food to stop or slow down spoilage, loss of quality, edibility, or nutritional value caused by microbial growth or undesirable chemical changes.

a) (ii) Meal planning is the process of deciding what meals to prepare for a specific period, often a week, considering factors such as nutritional needs, budget, and available ingredients.

b) Four points to consider when planning meals are:

• Nutritional needs of family members (age, health, activity level).
• Budget allocated for food expenses.
• Available ingredients and seasonal produce.
• Time and effort required for preparation and cooking.

c) Four ways of preserving meals are:

• Refrigeration
• Freezing
• Drying/Dehydration
• Canning