Desiccation, a Time-Honored Method of Preserving Food, is Effective Because

Question

Desiccation, a time-honored method of preserving food, is effective because the
A) heat of the process kills microbes.
B) freezing step of the process kills microbes.
C) salt concentration is too low to support metabolic function.
D) UV light used in the process of sun drying penetrates effectively.
E) water content is too low to support metabolic function.

Accepted Answer

Desiccation involves removing water from the food, thereby lowering the water activity (aw) to a level where microbes are unable to grow and reproduce. Most bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms require a certain minimum aw for metabolic function, and a low aw will inhibit their growth and survival. Therefore, the effectiveness of desiccation as a preservation method is primarily due to the low water content, not other factors such as heat, freezing, or salt concentration. Choice E correctly identifies the role of water content in desiccation, while the other choices are incorrect.