Question 4
(a) State five differences between specimen N and Q.
(b) Outline the steps involved in converting specimen Q to specimen N.
(c) Give three reasons for preserving fish in the form of specimen N.
(d) Name two materials that could be used to package specimen N.
Observation
A few candidates were able to successfully attempt the questions by mentioning the processes involved in converting Specimen Q to Specimen N. However, some of them could not state the processes in sequence.
The expected answers were:
The expected answer is as follows:
(a) Differences between specimens N (Smoked catfish) and Q (Live catfish)
Specimen N (Smoked catfish) |
Specimen Q (Live catfish) |
Dead/ not moving |
Has life/ moving |
It is processed / smoked |
It is unprocessed / fresh |
Dried / Dried skin |
Wet / Wet skin / moist |
Hard / Tough |
Soft / Flexible |
Light in weight / Lighter |
Heavy in weight / Heavier |
Brownish /Black appearance |
Greyish appearance |
(b) Steps involved in converting specimen Q (live catfish) to Specimen N (Smoked catfish)
- Stunning / killing / slaughtering the fish
- Degutting / Gutting the fish / Removal of gut
- Washing / cleaning the fish
- Add salt / seasoning (if preferred)
- Folding and pinning the fish / Pitting of fish
- Setting the smoking kiln
- Arranging the fish in the kiln / Placing the fish on the kiln trays
- Put heat source / heated charcoal
- Allow fish to get smoked
- Remove fish from the kiln when dried
- Allow fish to cool and pack.
(c ) Reasons for preserving fish in the form of specimen N (Smoked catfish)
- To improve taste
- To extend shelf life
- To prevent spoilage
- To increase market value through value addition
- To improve flavour
- To make it more presentable / attractive
- Easier to handle than live fish
(d) Materials that could be used to package Specimen N (Smoked catfish)
- Carton
- Basket
- Plastic trays
- Bags / Polythene / Polyethylene / Polyestyrene / Zip lock
- Sacks / Jute sacks
- Paper / Cardboard
- Leaves
- Aluminium foil / mould