Long ago, many people had to find or grow their food. Then they tried to keep it from going bad. One way was to dry fruits, vegetables, and even meat.
These foods last longer with less water inside. People pickled foods by putting them in vinegar or other acids to kill germs. They stored other foods, such as potatoes and apples, in cold cellars. In towns and cities, many people did not produce their own food. Instead, farmers brought crops, livestock, and preserved foods to markets. At the markets, people could buy the food.
Today, lots of fresh food is shipped to grocery stores in our communities. We bring it home and keep it fresh in a refrigerator. Other fresh foods may go to a processing plant first. There, they’re turned into products such as soup or juice. Then we buy the processed food. Processed foods stay fresher longer because they’re sealed in cans, jars, boxes, and bags.
