Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Hands-On Learning Hands-On Learning You have learned about vegetables by reading this chapter. Now learn even more by participating in the following hands-on learning experience. In the following lab, you will compare the effectiveness of various storage methods for keeping vegetables fresh. Hands-On Science in the Kitchen Munchy, Crunchy Vegetables Fresh vegetables contain a large amount of water. As they age, the water evaporates and vegetables become limp or wrinkled. They lose their crispness. Careful storage methods can help slow water loss and aging. This experiment will help you to identify storage methods that slow vegetable aging and prevent water loss. Gather Supplies • 8 celery stalks • plastic wrap • 2 plates • refrigerator Try This! 1. Make a two-column table and label the columns Celery Group and Observations. Label four rows Celery Group 1, Celery Group 2, Celery Group 3, and Celery Group 4. Below the table, make a heading Analysis and leave space to write a paragraph, then add a Conclusions heading. Leave space to write below this heading. 2. Wash all eight celery stalks. 3. Separate the celery into four groups having two celery stalks each. 4. Wrap one group of two tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. 5. Wrap the second group of stalks tightly in plastic wrap and place them on the countertop. 6. Place the third group of stalks unwrapped on a plate in the refrigerator. 7. Place the fourth group of stalks unwrapped on a plate and leave it on the countertop. 8. Wait 24 hours. Then, taste the stalks from each group. (Be sure to wash the celery in the fourth group again before tasting it.) How did the celery in each group taste? What was the texture like? How did it look? Record your observations in the table. 9. In the Analysis section, answer these questions. ry Tim UR/Shutterstock.com Adventures in Food and Nutrition Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 372