Microorganisms in food
What are microorganisms?
Microorganisms are tiny living things you can’t see with your eyes. Examples include:
Bacteria
Fungi (like yeast)
Some algae
How microorganisms HELP us in food
1. Making tasty foods
Some microorganisms are actually our helpers in the kitchen!
Curd (yogurt)
Bacteria turn milk into curd. They make it thick and slightly sour.
Bread
Yeast (a fungus) makes dough rise by producing gas.
Cheese
Different bacteria and fungi give cheese its taste and texture.
2. Fermentation
Fermentation is when microorganisms change food using chemicals.
Example:
Milk → Curd
Dough → Bread
This process:
Improves taste
Makes food easier to digest
Sometimes increases nutrition
How microorganisms can HARM food
Not all microorganisms are friendly.
1. Food spoilage
Some bacteria and fungi spoil food:
Milk turns sour (too much bacteria)
Bread grows green/black mold
Fruits rot
2. Food poisoning
Harmful microorganisms can grow in dirty or old food and make us sick.
How we STOP harmful microorganisms
We use different methods:
Refrigeration → slows their growth
Cooking → kills many microorganisms
Drying → removes water they need
Salt & sugar → prevent growth