Providing detailed information on key areas of post-harvest technologies, this book is written with small-scale processors and entrepreneurs in food processing, who have no formal training in Food Science or Food Engineering, in mind. Uniquely, it will review the hands-on aspects of food processing from a largely non-academic viewpoint. It is written in non-technical language and covers everything from the basic science of why food is processed to a description of the main methods used. Coverage includes all current technologies that are used at the small-scale such as why food is processed, the historical development of food processing, background skills, heating and cooling in food processing, thermal processing basics and specialised calculations, drying food materials, statistical manufacturing control and sugar solution calculations in beverage making The target audience for this book is vastly under-served with appropriate information and the abundant use of photographs, showing the various concepts described in the text, makes this book appealing to those required to understand their food process operations.

Looking for instructional material to help extend the shelf life of your crops? Look no further. Drying is one of the main preservation techniques available for extending the useful storage life of food products such as fruits and vegetables. Its origins pre-date recorded history and it can be performed on a small-scale without the need for massive quantities of fruits and vegetables and continuous conveyor belt dryers. By providing explanations of the basic concepts of food drying and techniques useable at the small-scale, this book outlines why various procedures in the process are followed. Coverage includes: preparation of fruits and vegetables; open air drying, solar drying and forced air drying techniques; packaging and shelf-life enhancement; and use of dehydrated food materials. This book is written in a non-scientific style that would be suitable for food processors and urban gardeners amongst others. Whether you are drying food at home or as a small-scale producer, you will find information to help you extend the shelf life of your crops and foods in this book.

This comprehensive overview of local food systems explores alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and reach, describes the characteristics of local consumers and producers, and examines early indications of the economic and health impacts of local food systems. Defining ¿local¿ based on marketing arrangements, such as farmers selling directly to consumers at regional farmers¿ markets or to schools, is well recognized. Statistics suggest that local food markets account for a small, but growing, share of U.S. agricultural production. For smaller farms, direct marketing to consumers accounts for a higher percentage of their sales than for larger farms. Charts and tables.

With the exception of Haiti, the sensationalized issues of hunger reported in certain parts of the developing world are largely unknown in the Caribbean. Despite this, there are growing concerns about the state of food security in the region, as declining domestic production and increased dependence on imported food create vulnerability. This study examines some of the contemporary issues impacting food production and food and nutrition security in the CARICOM region of the Caribbean. The authors focus on enhancing domestic food production as the most appropriate way to improve food security and discuss strategies for building capacity in local food production systems. The book is the product of over ten years of research by the authors. It will be of interest to scholars and students of Caribbean geography, cultural geography, food and agricultural geography, and food security.

Foodservice industry operators today must concern themselves with the evolution of food preparation and service and attempt to anticipate demands and related industry changes such as the supply chain and resource acquisition to not only meet patrons' demands but also to keep their competitive advantage. From a marketing standpoint, the trend toward a more demanding and sophisticated patron will continue to grow through various factors including the promotion of diverse food preparation through celebrity chefs, mass media, and the effect of globalization. From an operational standpoint, managing and controlling the business continues to serve as a critical success factor. Maintaining an appropriate balance between food costs and labor costs, managing employee turnover, and focusing on food/service quality and consistency are fundamental elements of restaurant management and are necessary but not necessarily sufficient elements of success. This increasing demand in all areas will challenge foodservice operators to adapt to new technologies, to new business communication and delivery systems, and to new management systems to stay ahead of the changes. Strategic International Restaurant Development: From Concept to Production explains the world of the food and beverage service industry as well as industry definitions, history, and the status quo with a look towards current challenges and future solutions that can be undertaken when developing strategic plans for restaurants. It highlights trends and explains the logistics of management and its operation. It introduces the basic principles for strategies and competitive advantage in the international context. It discusses the food and beverage management philosophy and introduces the concept of food and beverage service entrepreneurship, restaurant viability, and critical success factors involved in a foodservice business venture. Finally, it touches on the much-discussed topic of the food and beverage service industry and sustainable development. This book is ideal for restaurateurs, managers, entrepreneurs, executives, practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, academicians, and students interested in the methods, tools, and techniques to successfully manage, develop, and run a restaurant in the modern international restaurant industry.

Microencapsulation is being used to deliver everything from improved nutrition to unique consumer sensory experiences. It's rapidly becoming one of the most important opportunities for expanding brand potential. Microencapsulation in the Food Industry: A Practical Implementation Guide is written for those who see the potential benefit of using microencapsulation but need practical insight into using the technology. With coverage of the process technologies, materials, testing, regulatory and even economic insights, this book presents the key considerations for putting microencapsulation to work. Application examples as well as online access to published and issued patents provide information on freedom to operate, building an intellectual property portfolio, and leveraging ability into potential in licensing patents to create produce pipeline. This book bridges the gap between fundamental research and application by combining the knowledge of new and novel processing techniques, materials and selection, regulatory concerns, testing and evaluation of materials, and application-specific uses of microencapsulation. - Practical applications based on the authors' more than 50 years combined industry experience - Focuses on application, rather than theory - Includes the latest in processes and methodologies - Provides multiple "starting point" options to jump-start encapsulation use