Question

Separate into teams of no more than 5 and discuss the following questions:

• What makes transporting delicate things like potato chips so challenging?
• How would you transport a single potato chip so it would not get broken and keep the cost down?
• Have you ever opened a bag of potato chips only to be disappointed with how much of the bag was empty space?
• Why does fresh food go bad?
• Is there something that makes fresh food go bad faster?
• Do some fresh foods stay fresh longer than others?
• Which foods need to be stored in a fridge and which foods do better at room temperature and why does it matter?
Discuss these questions in your group and assign a team member to take notes.

Answer 1

Transporting delicate things like potato chips is challenging due to their fragility, and protective measures like cushioning materials and sturdy containers can be used to transport a single potato chip without breakage. Fresh food goes bad due to microorganisms and enzymatic reactions, and different fresh foods have varying shelf lives. Foods that are perishable should be stored in the fridge, while some foods do better at room temperature to maintain their quality.

Step-by-step explanation:

• Transporting Delicate Things Like Potato Chips:

Transporting delicate things like potato chips is challenging because they are fragile and can easily break. They are thin and brittle, making them susceptible to crushing or crumbling when subjected to pressure or impact. The packaging of potato chips is designed to protect them from being damaged during transport, but even slight mishandling can lead to breakage. The delicate nature of potato chips requires careful handling and packaging to prevent them from getting crushed or broken.

• Transporting a Single Potato Chip:

To transport a single potato chip without getting it broken and keeping the cost down, you can use protective measures such as using cushioning materials, like bubble wrap or foam, to provide a buffer and absorb any impact. Additionally, you can use a small, sturdy container, like a plastic case, to shield the chip from external forces. By taking these precautions, you can protect the delicate potato chip and minimize the risk of breakage while keeping the cost of transportation low.

• Fresh Food Spoilage:

Fresh food goes bad due to various factors. One primary reason is the growth of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that break down the food. These microorganisms thrive in favorable conditions such as moisture, warmth, and oxygen, leading to food spoilage. Additionally, enzymatic reactions within the food can cause chemical changes that result in deterioration. Factors like improper storage, exposure to air, and the presence of spoilage-causing microorganisms can accelerate the spoilage process.

• Different Fresh Foods' Shelf Life:

Some fresh foods stay fresh longer than others. The shelf life of fresh food depends on factors such as its moisture content, structure, and susceptibility to microbial growth. For example, fruits and vegetables with high water content, like lettuce and strawberries, have a shorter shelf life compared to dry foods like grains or nuts. Some fresh foods, like root vegetables or hard cheeses, can last longer due to their low moisture content and dense structure, which makes them less prone to spoilage.

• Storage of Fresh Foods:

Foods that need to be stored in the fridge include perishable items like raw meats, dairy products, and cut fruits or vegetables. The cold temperature of the fridge slows down the growth of microorganisms, extending the shelf life of these foods. On the other hand, certain foods do better at room temperature as refrigeration can negatively affect their texture or taste. Examples include whole fruits, bread, and some condiments. It matters because improper storage can lead to spoilage, loss of quality, and potential health risks.