My aim is to prepare a meal and compare each component with a readymade equivalent. I intend to focus on the nutritional value and food additives

Authors Avatar by ammu786 (student)

Starter: Chicken Salad

Main: Vegetable Pasta

Dessert: Apple Crumble

My aim is to prepare a meal and compare each component with a readymade equivalent. I intend to focus on the nutritional value and food additives. I would like to test my theory that homemade foods are more nutritious and healthier because they do not contain the food additives which are put in convenience foods to enhance flavour, appearance and shelf-life.


Time Plan

Key

  • Chicken Salad- Orange
  • Vegetable Pasta- Red
  • Apple Crumble- Purple
  • General- Blue

Chicken Salad

Nutritional Information:

  • Calories: 399
  • Protein: 37g
  • Carbohydrate: 10g
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated fat: 3g
  • Fibre: 2g
  • Salt: 1g

Costs:

  • Lemon: £0.99
  • Chicken breast: £1.80
  • Vegetables: £0.49
  • Olive oil (extra virgin): £0.60

Curry powder: £0.07


Ingredients:

  • 2 skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp mild or medium curry powder
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Mayonnaise
  • 1⁄2 lemon
  • Assorted vegetables

Equipment:

  • Non-stick pan
  • Whisk
  • Large bowl
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Pot
  • Plate to serve

Method:

  1. Toss the chicken breasts with the curry powder and 1 tbsp of the oil. Heat a large non-stick pan and cook the chicken for 5-6 mins on each side until golden and cooked through, then cut into strips.
  2. In a large bowl, toss together the vegetables, chicken and dressing. Divide between two bowls and enjoy with some crusty bread on the side.
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Sensory Analysis


Comparative Analysis

When I first made my chicken salad I compared it to one I had bought. I noticed several differences in taste, appearance and pricing.

My chicken salad looked green and fresh when I served it; the colours of each component were vibrant and appealing. The readymade looked less vibrant and the vegetables were limp and not very crispy. The chicken in the readymade was also noticeably smaller and there was less of it.

However, the salad I made was slightly wet and soggy, whilst the one I bought did not have ...

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