Have you ever wondered why certain foods don’t expire? Well, thanks to the science of preservation, there is more than one reason behind why certain food can last the distance and others… not so much.
When most food goes off, it is due to the growth of yeast, mould and fungi over an extended period of time. This can occur when certain enzymes are sensitive to light or the food is exposed to oxygen, knocking PH levels off balance and promoting microbial spoilage.
“The reaction of food to oxygen is an entirely chemical process that can cause yucky changes in flavour and colouration,” Cosmos journalist Imma Perfetto said.
To prevent this from happening, certain methods can be applied to prevent certain food products from expiring; for example, packets of chips are filled with gas, some items are freeze dried, cured, smoked or dehydrated and others are fermented.
Tune into the full episode of Huh? Science Explained below…