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.