There has never been more information available than there is now about food and cooking ! If you are about to embark on a food project for food technology or take part in an Active Kids Get Cooking Activity you have no reason to struggle to find information. Having access to the internet is a great help but you can also look in books,magazines and use the resources that your teacher has for you. Use the links in this website to guide to other sources of information.
The product case studies all have links on their pages which direct you to help with specific products but here are some more ideas.
If you are researching an idea for product development follow your brief. This will give you an idea of where you need to look for inspiration. For example if you have been asked to come up with an idea for a healthy dessert or pudding this is where to start!
First think about the ingredients for a dessert that are healthy. You may want to discuss this with an experienced cook or look at some reference books.These are likely to include:
- fruit ( fresh,canned and dried);
- dairy products which are reduced fat;
- pastry like filo (which is lower in fat than shortcrust);
- pancakes and other alternatives to pastry.
This style of research uses the skill and knowledge with food that you already have. You may want to present this as a bubble diagram on a large sheet of paper. Look at the four areas of foods identified and find out as much as you can about them.Make a list for each one.
Carry out some desk research. Review some recipes for 'Healthy desserts' this could be in books, on the internet and in magazines. Make a list of those that appeal to you.
Finally carry out some field research. Go to at least three supermarkets and find out what they sell under the banner of healthy desserts. For Sainsbury's you would look at products that are in the Be Good To Yourself range.
New product developers are constantly looking at new products from their competitors to stay well informed they may also look to see what is happening in other countries like Japan, America and Australia. Make a list of all the ideas that grab you and then start to think seriously about the type of product you would like to make.
Active Kids Get Cooking 2006