Food Technology AQA GCSE Questions
and Answers Already Passed
What is the main difference between refined and whole grains, and why is this significant for
human health?
✔✔Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran and germ, which strips away fiber
and nutrients. Whole grains, on the other hand, retain all parts of the grain and provide fiber,
vitamins, and minerals that support digestive health and help prevent chronic diseases.
What role does water play in food processing, and how does it affect food texture and quality?
✔✔Water is essential in food processing as it is used for rehydration, boiling, and freezing. It
helps improve texture, dissolve flavors, and preserve nutrients. However, too much water can
dilute the taste or impact the shelf life of some foods.
How can food producers use fermentation to enhance flavor profiles?
✔✔Fermentation introduces beneficial microorganisms that break down sugars into acids or
alcohol, enhancing flavor complexity, as seen in products like sourdough bread, kimchi, and
wine.
How does the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids in food affect cardiovascular health?
1
,✔✔Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish, nuts, and flaxseeds, help lower bad cholesterol
(LDL), reduce inflammation, and improve overall heart health by promoting proper blood
circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease.
What is the role of antioxidants in food preservation and human health?
✔✔Antioxidants in food, such as vitamins C and E, help protect cells from oxidative damage,
slowing the aging process, preventing cell damage, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions
like cancer and heart disease. They also help preserve the quality of food by reducing spoilage.
Why are certain vitamins, like Vitamin D and Calcium, critical in the development of bone
health, especially in children?
✔✔Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth.
Together, they support the growth and development of bones, reducing the risk of fractures and
conditions like rickets in children.
What is the significance of a food's glycemic index in managing blood sugar levels?
✔✔Foods with a high glycemic index (GI) cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, while foods with a
low GI provide a steady release of glucose. Managing the GI of foods in the diet can help control
blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes.
2
, How does the Maillard reaction enhance the flavors of cooked food?
✔✔The Maillard reaction occurs when proteins and sugars in food are heated, creating new
complex flavors and browning. This reaction is responsible for the rich flavors in roasted meats,
toasted bread, and caramelized vegetables.
Why is it essential to balance the pH levels in food products like beverages and canned goods?
✔✔Balancing the pH level in food products helps to preserve taste, prevent bacterial growth, and
maintain the texture of the food. For example, acidic foods like pickles need to be carefully
controlled to prevent spoilage and ensure safety.
What are the environmental benefits of plant-based protein sources over animal-based proteins?
✔✔Plant-based proteins require fewer natural resources, such as water and land, to produce.
They also generate fewer greenhouse gases, making them more sustainable for the environment
compared to animal-based proteins like meat and dairy.
How can the use of sustainable farming practices impact food production and the environment?
✔✔Sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, reduced pesticide use, and organic
methods, help preserve soil health, protect water resources, and promote biodiversity, ultimately
leading to more environmentally friendly and long-term food production.
3
and Answers Already Passed
What is the main difference between refined and whole grains, and why is this significant for
human health?
✔✔Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran and germ, which strips away fiber
and nutrients. Whole grains, on the other hand, retain all parts of the grain and provide fiber,
vitamins, and minerals that support digestive health and help prevent chronic diseases.
What role does water play in food processing, and how does it affect food texture and quality?
✔✔Water is essential in food processing as it is used for rehydration, boiling, and freezing. It
helps improve texture, dissolve flavors, and preserve nutrients. However, too much water can
dilute the taste or impact the shelf life of some foods.
How can food producers use fermentation to enhance flavor profiles?
✔✔Fermentation introduces beneficial microorganisms that break down sugars into acids or
alcohol, enhancing flavor complexity, as seen in products like sourdough bread, kimchi, and
wine.
How does the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids in food affect cardiovascular health?
1
,✔✔Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish, nuts, and flaxseeds, help lower bad cholesterol
(LDL), reduce inflammation, and improve overall heart health by promoting proper blood
circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease.
What is the role of antioxidants in food preservation and human health?
✔✔Antioxidants in food, such as vitamins C and E, help protect cells from oxidative damage,
slowing the aging process, preventing cell damage, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions
like cancer and heart disease. They also help preserve the quality of food by reducing spoilage.
Why are certain vitamins, like Vitamin D and Calcium, critical in the development of bone
health, especially in children?
✔✔Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth.
Together, they support the growth and development of bones, reducing the risk of fractures and
conditions like rickets in children.
What is the significance of a food's glycemic index in managing blood sugar levels?
✔✔Foods with a high glycemic index (GI) cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, while foods with a
low GI provide a steady release of glucose. Managing the GI of foods in the diet can help control
blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes.
2
, How does the Maillard reaction enhance the flavors of cooked food?
✔✔The Maillard reaction occurs when proteins and sugars in food are heated, creating new
complex flavors and browning. This reaction is responsible for the rich flavors in roasted meats,
toasted bread, and caramelized vegetables.
Why is it essential to balance the pH levels in food products like beverages and canned goods?
✔✔Balancing the pH level in food products helps to preserve taste, prevent bacterial growth, and
maintain the texture of the food. For example, acidic foods like pickles need to be carefully
controlled to prevent spoilage and ensure safety.
What are the environmental benefits of plant-based protein sources over animal-based proteins?
✔✔Plant-based proteins require fewer natural resources, such as water and land, to produce.
They also generate fewer greenhouse gases, making them more sustainable for the environment
compared to animal-based proteins like meat and dairy.
How can the use of sustainable farming practices impact food production and the environment?
✔✔Sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, reduced pesticide use, and organic
methods, help preserve soil health, protect water resources, and promote biodiversity, ultimately
leading to more environmentally friendly and long-term food production.
3
