exam Flashcards
What are cereals?
Edible grains/seeds from grass plants used directly as food or processed into products like flour and pasta.
Examples include wheat, rice, corn, and oats.
Define starch.
A carbohydrate found in plant-based foods, odorless and tasteless, primarily used as a thickening agent in cooking.
Starch is a polysaccharide that functions as stored carbohydrates.
What are the main sources of carbohydrates in our diet?
Starchy food items.
These include grains, legumes, and root & tuber vegetables.
What is the role of fiber in the diet?
Helps maintain bowel health and promotes a feeling of fullness.
This reduces the likelihood of overeating.
What are insoluble fibers?
Fibers that do not dissolve in water and help prevent constipation.
Examples include whole grains and the skins of fruits and vegetables.
What is soluble fiber?
Fibers that dissolve in water and help lower blood cholesterol and improve blood sugars.
Examples include beans, oats, and citrus fruits.
List three types of starchy food.
- Potatoes
- Rice and grains
- Bread
Each type provides energy and essential nutrients.
What are the benefits of whole grain bread?
Provides energy, B-vitamins, vitamin E, fiber, and minerals.
Whole grain bread is made up of grains that are fully intact.
What is the significance of the term ‘al dente’?
Refers to the desired texture of cooked pasta in Italian cooking.
It indicates that the pasta is firm to the bite.
What are the three major parts of whole grain cereals?
- Bran
- Endosperm
- Germ
These parts contain essential nutrients for health.
What is the difference between whole grains and refined grains?
Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel, while refined grains have been milled, removing the bran and germ.
Refining grains improves shelf life but removes fiber and nutrients.
What are phytochemicals?
Plant-derived compounds that act as antioxidants and neutralize free radicals in the body.
Found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
True or False: Brown rice has a higher nutritional content than white rice.
True.
Brown rice retains more nutrients due to less processing.
What are the main types of rice based on grain length?
- Short-grain
- Medium-grain
- Long-grain
Each type has distinct cooking properties and textures.
What are the two main varieties of barley?
- Two-row barley
- Six-row barley
They differ in grain fertility and protein content.
What is the pilaf method of cooking grains?
A technique that combines sautéing in fat with simmering to enhance flavor and texture.
Different fats can be used to vary the taste.
Describe how risotto achieves its creamy texture.
Constant stirring releases starch from the rice, emulsifying with the liquid.
This creates a smooth and velvety consistency.
What is the purpose of simmering in cooking grains?
To cook grains evenly by immersing them in a measured amount of liquid until absorbed.
Key factors include the amount of liquid and pot lid tightness.
Fill in the blank: The two-row barley has a _______ spikelet arrangement.
central spikelet.
This results in two rows of kernels along the spike.
What cooking method is commonly used for pasta?
Boiling in large quantities of salted water until al dente.
Other methods include simmering and baking.
