Question

Describe the various processes involved during the secondary processing of cereal.

Hint:

Remember the various food processing techniques that are employed for making different kinds of products from grains.

Answer 1

Secondary cereal processing encompasses fermentation, baking, puffing, flaking, frying, and extrusion.
– Fermentation: This process uses microorganisms (bacteria or yeast) to break down carbohydrates, producing organic acids and alcohol, thereby enhancing digestibility.
– Baking: Involves heating flour-based dough in an oven to produce edible items, such as bread.
– Puffing: Achieved by rapidly expanding grains through sudden heating or pressure shifts, resulting in light, crunchy products.
– Flaking: Grains are processed into thin flakes for use in breakfast cereals and other ready-to-eat items.
– Frying: Grains are cooked in oil to create snacks and products like fried rice and pakoras.
– Extrusion: Grains are passed through a machine that forces them into various shapes, utilized for producing items such as snack pellets.