Chapter 2
Cell: The Building Block of Life
CBSE Class 9
Science Solutions
Educart Science class Class 9 NCERT Exemplar cover
Question:

A farmer, Deepa, was very happy with the harvest of amla (Indian Gooseberry) and lemons on her farm. However, she could sell only one-fourth of the produce in the local market. Recognising that a significant amount of produce may be lost post-harvest, she employed a traditional yet scientifically sound method to extend the shelf life of amla and lemons. She turned perishable produce into profitable products, such as pickles and sharbat. She used the excess produce to prepare pickles, murabbas, and sharbat by adding appropriate amounts of salt, sugar, or jaggery to small pieces of fruit and their juices. These were then stored in small glass bottles for sale, helping her prevent the wastage of post-harvest produce. This shift from farming to agro-processing would strengthen food security and boost the local economy, creating a sustainable model that cuts waste while increasing her income.

Based on the above passage answer the following questions:

(A) Which scientific concept has the farmer applied in the preservation of the farm produce?

(B) How does the addition of high concentrations of salt and sugar create an environment that prevents the growth of spoilage-causing bacteria and fungi?

(C) Suggest a healthy recipe of this kind for food preservation.

(D) What are the scientific values addressed in this case?

Answer: Verified

(A) Deepa applied the concept of osmosis for food preservation. High amounts of salt, sugar, or jaggery create a concentrated (hypertonic) medium that removes water from microorganisms, preventing their growth.

(B) When large amounts of salt or sugar are added, water moves out of bacteria and fungi by osmosis. The microorganisms become dehydrated, cannot perform normal metabolism or reproduce, and therefore, food spoilage is prevented.

(C) Amla murabba: Fresh amla fruits are cooked in concentrated sugar syrup and stored in clean glass jars. The high sugar concentration helps preserve the fruit for a long time while retaining its nutritional value.

(D) Scientific values addressed:

(1) Application of scientific knowledge in daily life.

(2) Prevention of food wastage.

(3) Sustainability and food security.

(4) Innovation and entrepreneurship.

(5) Economic benefit to farmers through value-added products.

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