The Process of Product Analysis - Essay Example

Product analysis Introduction The factors to consider in the product analysis include; origin, costing guidelines, availability in the market, usage and storage and how they are used in a restaurant setting in the US. Therefore this paper will focus on the analysis of mutton, watermelon, yoghurt and coffee. Mutton Mutton is the name given to goat meat and can also be referred to as chevron. In the United States the consumption of goat is less as compared to Asia and Africa where it is usually a staple food. However it is usually readily available in butcheries all across the country. Mutton is known to be less in cholesterol and fat therefore it has a higher nutritional value. The sensorial features of mutton are that it is very tender and has a distinctive sweet taste when compared to other meats. However such features differ between old goats and young goats as the latter are the once known to have more sweet and tender meat. Additionally it has high protein content. Mutton is generally perishable therefore proper storage mechanisms need to employ to ensure it does go bad. In normal conditions mutton can be fresh for only 48 hours. However roasted mutton can remain fresh for a longer time. Mutton is especially popular with health conscious people and additionally readily available in restaurants focusing on the diverse ethnic groups in the US. It is fairly cheap retailing at $15 per pound of the mutton. Mutton has diverse menus in a restaurant setting. Modes of its preparation differ as it can be stewed, grilled, minced, barbecued, curried, canned and even grilled. Mutton is additionally known in the sausage making which is less popular. Different restaurants have different ways of preparing mutton dishes however grilling of marinated mutton is the most popular. Watermelon Watermelon is a nutritional fruit known to have originated from West Africa. Popular belief has it that watermelons are generally made up of water and sugar. However studies have shown that it is a nutrient dense fruit. Watermelons have high amounts of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. It is generally a low calorie fruit which explains the high consumption rates in the US. The nutritional values are beneficial in curing various diseases like high blood pressure, cancers, asthma, hydration and inflammations. Watermelons are readily available in the US as they are easily grown and don’t require lots of input. Most Americans grow them in their backyard. They generally thrive in hot and dry weather. A ripe watermelon is more sweat compared to those that are less mature. Popularity of the fruit is more during the summer and picnics due to their sweetness and their aid in combating the heat. There are different types of watermelons: seedless, yellow, orange, seeded and mini which is also known as personal. Seeded watermelons are the most popular type in the US. They are fairly cheap ranging between $2 and $4 per watermelon. Watermelons can take up to a week if well stored. The perishability of them is higher compared to other fruits like oranges and passion fruits. Watermelons are popular in the restaurants as they provide a good dessert. Restaurants offer watermelons in their menus in various forms. Watermelon can be blended to make juice and smoothies. Additionally watermelons can be served in salads and ice-cream form therefore they are very popular desserts. Yoghurt Yoghurt is made from the fermentation of fresh milk. Its origin is turkey where it was discovered in the 17th century. Its popularity has increased in the recent decades. The bacteria used in the yoghurt fermentation are known as yoghurt cultures. Cow milk is the most popular in yoghurt making in most cultures around the world. However there are cultures which make yoghurt from mares, goats, sheep, female yaks and camels. Yoghurt flavors and cooking properties differ depending on its source. It is available in different fat contents from very low fat to full fat served with cream. Yoghurts are very popular in the US especially among the youth and are readily available everywhere. It has very good nutritional value as they have high protein content. Additionally it provides the intestinal health due to the presence of bacteria’s and yeasts. Yoghurt’s shelf life and expiration date is dependent on certain factors. The factors include its preparation method, storage and its sell by date. It is best stored in a refrigerator for it to stay fresh longer. It is ideal if it is kept away from moisture and other dangerous contaminants. A freezer can also be ideal to ensure it stays fresh for more than one month. Yoghurts are fairly cheaply price as the price per cup is generally $3.80. The cost per cup for homemade yoghurt is slightly cheaper. Restaurants offer yoghurt in various forms and it is very popular among restaurants. The most popular ways it is served is as a dessert, sweetened or breakfast food. Yoghurt Ice creams are additionally popular serving in the summer. It is often provided as a drink and also used in the baking process to provide flavor and moisture. Coffee Coffee has its origins from Ethiopia in the 11th century. Since then the use of coffee has spread globally. Ethiopia is the largest source of the current world’s coffee production. Coffee has a very long shelf life s it can be canned for a very long period of time. Coffee is readily available all over the world as its demand is usually high. Caffeine is the main component in coffee which explains its popularity. Caffeine is addictive component which causes addition to many coffee users as it is known to boosting alertness. Research has it that coffee has nutritional values as it assists in diabetes reduction and also curing Alzheimer’s disease. Coffee is glut free and usually offers as little as two ounces per every 8 ounce cup. Coffee can be used in the baking of cakes, food grilling and elimination of orders. Maintaining the freshness and flavor of coffee proper storage needs to be implemented. Coffee beans are stored best in areas that are less moist, less heat and less light. Air tight containers are the preferred means of storage. Coffee is popular in restaurants and cafes and they are offered in various forms. Some of the restaurant servings include espresso blends, cappuccino, medium blends, organic and flavored blends. Coffee is cheaply available. Coffee consumption is popular during the cold weathers and at night. The average price per cup of coffee ranges between $1.5 to 5. Homemade coffee is way cheaper than compared to the cafes. It can cost only few cents in preparing homemade coffee. Reference Nielsen, S. S. (2013). Instructor's Manual for Food Analysis: Answers to Study Questions. Boston, MA: Springer US. Read More