Back to: Pre Vocational Studies Primary 6
Welcome to class!
Hello my earth-friendly student! I’m so happy to have you back for another practical lesson. Today, we’re going to talk about “preservation of roots and tuber crops.” These are important foods like yam, cassava, potatoes, and sweet potatoes that grow underground. Just like we store fruits and vegetables to keep them fresh, we need special ways to preserve roots and tubers. Let’s begin!
Preservation of Roots and Tuber Crops
Roots and tubers are a vital part of many diets, providing us with carbohydrates for energy. However, they can spoil quickly after harvest if not preserved properly.
Here are the main methods of preserving root and tuber crops:
- Curing:
- This is a process that helps to heal any cuts or bruises on the surface of the tubers and also dries the outer layer, making them less susceptible to rot.
- How it works: Tubers are kept in a warm, humid place for a period of time (usually a few days to a week). This allows the skin to harden and any wounds to heal.
- Examples: This method is commonly used for potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams.
- Storage in Cool, Dry, and Dark Places:
- Roots and tubers should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place with good ventilation. This helps to prevent sprouting, rotting, and other forms of spoilage.
- Examples: Cellars, basements, or well-ventilated sheds.
- Storage in the Ground:
- Some tubers, like cassava, can be left in the ground until they are needed. This is a simple way to preserve them, but it’s important to protect them from pests and flooding.
- Drying:
- Similar to preserving grains, drying removes moisture and prevents spoilage.
- Chips or Flour: Tubers can be sliced into chips and dried in the sun or using a mechanical dryer. They can also be processed into flour.9 Examples include cassava chips and cassava flour (fufu).
- Freezing:
- Some tubers, like potatoes and cassava, can be peeled, cut into pieces, and then frozen. This can extend their shelf life significantly. It’s often best to blanch (briefly cook in boiling water) the vegetables before freezing.
- Processing:
- Tubers can be processed into various products that have a longer shelf life.
- Examples: Cassava can be processed into garri, fufu, or tapioca. Potatoes can be processed into potato chips or French fries.
Factors Affecting Preservation:
- Proper Harvesting: Harvesting tubers carefully to avoid bruising or damaging them is important for successful preservation.
- Temperature and Humidity: Keeping the storage area cool and dry is crucial.
- Pest and Disease Control: Protecting the tubers from pests and diseases during storage is important.
Let’s use some examples. Farmers often cure their yams after harvest by keeping them in a well-ventilated barn for a few days. People often store potatoes in a cool, dark place like a cellar. Cassava is often processed into garri to preserve it for longer periods.
So, to summarize, preserving root and tuber crops is important for ensuring a steady supply of these important foods. The main methods include curing, storing in cool, dry, and dark places, drying, freezing, and processing.
Evaluation
- What is curing, and which tubers is it often used for?
- Why is it important to store tubers in a dark place?
- Can you name two ways that cassava is processed for preservation?
Excellent! You’re doing a fantastic job! I’m so proud of your learning. Remember, proper preservation of roots and tubers helps to reduce food waste and ensures we have access to these nutritious foods throughout the year. Keep up the amazing work!
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