Techniques in Preparation of Commodities
Understanding Techniques in Preparation of Commodities
- Familiarise yourself with the term commodity, referring to primary agricultural/food products that are used in the Hospitality and Catering sector.
- Understand the importance of preparing commodities in a way that maintains their quality, nutritional value and safety.
- Grasp the responsibility of the hospitality and catering sector in preparing commodities that meet customer expectations and maintain food standards.
Different Methods of Preparing Commodities
- Recognise that different commodities require various preparation techniques like washing, peeling, trimming, cutting, or portioning.
- Learn that meat is often trimmed of fat, portioned, tenderised or marinated before cooking.
- Understand that vegetables and fruits often have to be washed, peeled, chopped or grated before use.
- Know that fish should be scaled, filleted, pinned, and sometimes skinned before use.
Techniques of Food Preservation
- Identify methods of preserving food such as canning, pickling, freezing, drying, smoking, and fermenting.
- Know that these techniques can extend the shelf life of commodities, slowing down the process of spoilage and decay.
- Realise the importance of understanding these techniques for efficient operation in the kitchen, minimising food waste and improving cost-effectiveness.
Techniques of Food Processing
- Understand the role of food processing techniques like blanching, pasteurising, fermenting, and smoking to enhance the texture, flavour, or digestibility of commodities.
- Be aware of the positive and negative impacts of food processing on the nutritional value of commodities.
Safety Measures in Commodity Preparation
- Understand the importance of safe handling and preparation to prevent food contamination.
- Learn about the potential dangers of improper handling, such as foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like E.coli or salmonella.
- Familiarise yourself with safety measures like correct temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and hygienic practices.
Importance of Commodity Preparation in the Hospitality and Catering Sector
- Recognise the role of commodity preparation in creating optimal taste and texture in dishes.
- Comprehend the impact of precise preparation techniques in achieving consistency, improving efficiency and ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Understand how the skillful preparation of commodities can enhance the presentation of dishes, a key aspect of customer experience.