Food processing, any of a variety of operations by which raw foodstuffs are made suitable for consumption, cooking, or storage. A brief treatment of food processing follows. For fuller treatment of storage methods, see food preservation.
Food processing generally includes the basic preparation of foods, the alteration of a food product into another form (as in making preserves from fruit), and preservation and packaging techniques.
Importance of Food Processing
All the raw food materials are processed to improve their palatability, nutritional value and shelf-life.
1) Preservation for later consumption or sale to fetch better price
2) Removal of inedible portions
3) Destruction or removal of harmful substances
4) Conversion to forms desired by the consumer and
5) Subdivision into food ingredients.
India is the world's second largest producer of food next to China, and has the potential of being the biggest with the food and agricultural sector. The total food production in India is likely to double in the next ten years and there is an opportunity for large investments in food and food processing technologies, skills and equipment, especially in areas of Canning, Dairy and Food Processing, Packaging, Frozen Food/Refrigeration and Thermo-Processing.
India’s regional and cultural diversity is perfectly reflected in food.
India has about 26 types of different climatic conditions, 46 varieties of soils are there in India out of total 60 types of soils worldwide. 127 ‘agro climatic zones’ have been identified in India. Also, Indian food is known worldwide for its unique taste and aroma.
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