The adage 'Time is the best teacher' finds surprising relevance in the realm of food preservation. While the concept has always existed, it takes something extraordinary to open our eyes to the greatness of simple things, particularly when it comes to preserving food. Often, we associate food with instant servings or items meant for immediate consumption. But take a moment to consider the naturally preserved items in your kitchen that last longer than the typical perishables. Without hesitation, pickles come to mind, an inseparable part of Indian culinary traditions.
Video Credits: Hebbars Kitchen/ Hebbars Kitchen
Throughout history, humans, much like ants, have possessed the instinct to stockpile and preserve. Food preservation has played an integral role in human survival, with the need to extend the shelf life of perishable items serving as a coping mechanism for crisis management. Across various cultures, races, economic statuses, and geographical backgrounds, people have embraced innovative methods to preserve food, leading to diverse culinary traditions. While technology has undoubtedly aided in preventing spoilage and extending shelf life, let's explore some of the oldest and most modern methods employed in food preservation.
Drying:
Drying has long been a significant aspect of Indian culinary arts. Since ancient times, sun drying has been a practical method involving curing food with salt and exposing it to the sun to remove moisture, preventing spoilage. In Indian culture, drying, especially with rice vathals (rice papads), dried fish, and meat, has been a common practice. This dehydrating method effectively controls the growth of microorganisms and includes sun-drying, freeze-drying, and air-drying.
Salting
Salting is another important step in the food preservation timeline. This method draws moisture from food, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria and microorganisms to thrive. Salting is closely associated with pickling, where treating food with coarse salt is a widespread practice worldwide. While fish and meat are typically brined for less than 24 hours, vegetables, fruits, and cheeses undergo longer brining, known as pickling.
Fermentation
One of the oldest preservation techniques, fermentation fosters the growth of beneficial microorganisms. This process transforms sugars and starches into alcohol or organic acids anaerobically, releasing energy and enhancing the taste of foods. In India, notable fermented foods include idli, dosa, dhokla, and various pickles such as mango pickles, lime pickles, and mixed vegetable pickles.
Canning
This modern method is a process where the food is sealed in an airtight container and heated to a specified temperature. High heat destroys microorganisms, and inactive enzymes preserve the quality and safety of the food. This method is commonly used for jams, jellies, pickles, fruit butter, etc., significantly extending the shelf life from 1 to 5 years.
Freezing
Freezing is another modern preservation process that reduces microbial activity at lower temperatures, maintaining the quality of food and extending shelf life. Solidifying food by exposing it to temperatures below its freezing point ensures freshness and safety. This method is particularly valuable for enjoying out-of-season fruits throughout the year, such as frozen blueberries and strawberries.
These techniques stand as a testament to the evolutionary journey humans have undertaken in the basics of preserving food. Food plays a crucial role in shaping culinary traditions, and these preservation methods contribute to ensuring safety without compromising taste, flavour, or quality—rather, they may even enhance them.