Question:

Which of the following food items is not prepared by fermentation?

Show Hint

To distinguish in exams:
- Biological Leavening: Uses living yeast via fermentation (e.g., Bread).
- Chemical Leavening: Uses baking powder/soda via acid-base chemical reactions (e.g., Cakes and Cookies).
  • Bread
  • Beer
  • Cheese
  • Cake
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Food fermentation is an anaerobic biotechnology where beneficial microorganisms—such as bacteria, yeasts, or molds—metabolize organic compounds (carbohydrates) into alcohol, organic acids, and gases.
This process enhances shelf life, digestibility, and flavor profile.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate the food preparation methods for each option:
- Bread (A): Bread dough is prepared using baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
The yeast ferments the sugars present in the dough, producing carbon dioxide (CO$_2$) and ethanol.
The bubbles of CO$_2$ gas become trapped in the gluten network, causing the dough to rise (leaven).
- Beer (B): This beverage is produced by the alcoholic fermentation of grain sugars (derived from malted barley) by brewing strains of Saccharomyces yeast under anaerobic conditions.
- Cheese (C): Cheese production begins with the lactic acid fermentation of milk sugars (lactose) by starter bacteria, such as species of Lactococcus or Lactobacillus.
These bacteria produce lactic acid, lowering the pH and causing milk proteins to coagulate into curds.
- Cake (D): Cakes are leavened using chemical raising agents (such as baking powder or baking soda), rather than biological fermentation.
When these chemical agents react with moisture and acidic ingredients, they release CO$_2$ gas, causing the batter to rise in the oven.
No biological fermentation is involved in standard cake making.
Therefore, cake is not prepared by biological fermentation.

Step 4: Final Answer:

The food item not prepared by biological fermentation is cake, matching Option (D).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top ICAR AIEEA Microbiology Questions

View More Questions