Term 4, Week 3

Physical properties of food include elements such as colour, texture and shape. Foods can
be categorised as either being a solid, liquid or gas. If food is damaged during
transportation or at any time during food production it may become unsuitable to sell,
causing food wastage. Chemical properties of food include pH values and water activity
(water content). pH levels determine either the alkalinity or acidity of a substance. A
neutral pH is classed at 7, anything above 7 is considered to have varying degrees of
alkalinity and anything below 7 is considered to have varying degrees of acidity. Water
activity refers to the moisture content of the food. It predicts whether or not products
will become mouldy because it measures the energy of the water in the product.
Higher-energy water is available to microbes, making high water activity products
susceptible to mould and even bacterial growth. Reducing the water activity can rule out
the growth of microbes. An example of this is a dry cracker biscuit is less likely to grow
mould than a piece of fresh bread because the cracker has a low water activity level.
 1. Identify the pH range that is considered more alkaline. Provide one
example of something that has a pH in this range
Above 7, toothpaste

2. Identify the pH range that is considered more acidic. Provide one example
of something that has a pH in this range.
Below 7, sulfuric acid

3. Define water content in your own words.

A ph of 7, a liquid that is neutral
Value Added Products

Value-added products are foods that have been altered to create extra value. These
products are typically raw agricultural products that have been modified to be more
appealing to the consumer. Examples of value-added foods are ready to mix salad kits, pre
marinated meats and pre-crumbed chicken. These products are designed to save
consumers time and be a more convenient choice. Consumers are often willing to pay more
for these value-added items. As lifestyles are getting busier the consumer demand of
convenience is becoming more important to shoppers.

Identify and describe 3 value-added food products. Collect and record an image of the
product also.

Name of Product Description Image

Ice cream is a sweetened

Nestle Ice cream
frozen food typically eaten as a
snack or dessert. It may be
made from dairy milk or cream
and is flavoured with a
sweetener, either sugar or an
alternative, and a spice, such
as cocoa or vanilla, or with fruit
such as strawberries or
peaches.
 The delicious chocolate egg
Kinder joy with a small surprise inside,
Kinder Joy

Ready ,made spaghetti

Spaghetti