Why is oil added to pickles?

Oil stops air from getting in, preventing microbe growth

What does a refrigerator do to slow food spoilage?

It makes temperature too cold for microbes to grow

Disha's grandfather told her that people used which substances to preserve food long ago?

Salt, sugar, and spices like pepper

What is mould made up of?

A colony of thousands of microbes

Why do pickles last longer than fresh vegetables?

Oil and spices prevent air and moisture from reaching the food, stopping microbe growth

Pickles are cooked at high temperature

What makes idli batter fluffy?

Microbes in the air help the batter rise

Why did Disha's grandmother's pickle last two months without spoiling?

Oil sealed out the air, preventing microbial growth

The pickle had no vegetables in it

Why is it important to chew food properly?

It breaks down food, releases saliva, and helps digestion

Seasonal fruits taste best when eaten in season because:

They travel less distance and are fresher

Why does curd help with indigestion?

Curd is cold and cools the stomach

Curd contains microbes that join good microbes in your stomach to aid digestion

Curd kills all bad bacteria instantly

What type of waste preservation did insects do before humans?

Solitary wasps preserve food for their larvae

Black pepper was historically significant because:

It was so popular as a spice that Vasco da Gama crossed oceans to get it from India

It replaced salt in ancient times

What is the danger of choking?

Not chewing properly can cause food to block the airway

Oral hygiene is important because:

It prevents cavities, tooth decay, and dental problems

Why do scientists say removing moisture OR air from food prevents spoilage?

Microbes need both moisture and air to grow; removing either one stops their growth

Food doesn't spoil without sunlight

Only temperature matters for preservation

Disha observed that bread left on the balcony spoiled in two days but her grandmother's pickle lasted months. What principle explains this difference?

Bread is exposed to air and moisture while the oil and spices in pickle deny microbes what they need to grow

Pickle is cooked at a higher temperature

How does air-tight canning preserve food in factories?

It heats the food until microbes die

It seals out air and moisture, preventing microbial growth

Why is it dangerous to eat food that looks clean but smells bad?

The smell indicates microbial activity; the food may harbour harmful substances even if not visibly mouldy

All bad smells are from harmless spices

If Disha's Anna (brother) had not explained about microbes, what FALSE conclusion might Disha have drawn about her spoiled uttapam?

That all coloured things are food

That the uttapam became magical or poisoned by some unknown force because she didn't understand microbial decomposition

That the colour is from cooking

That it was fresh but colourful

Why should you rinse your mouth after eating according to the dentist?

Rinsing removes food particles that microbes could feed on, preventing cavities

What is the significance of buying local fruits according to Disha's father?

Local fruits are fresher because they haven't travelled far and retain more flavour

How does finding 'traditional practices related to food' relate to science?

Traditional practices have nothing to do with science

Many traditional practices like drying, pickling, and fermenting are based on scientific principles of preventing microbial growth

Science has replaced all traditions

Traditions are older, so they are always better

Which of the following facts about microbes are mentioned in the chapter?

They are found in soil, water, air, plants, and animals

They can only be seen with a microscope

They only cause harm and never help

Some microbes help in making curd

Disha's Anna explains that microbes are everywhere. What does this suggest about efforts to create a completely microbe-free environment?

It is impossible and unnecessary because not all microbes are harmful; some are essential for digestion and food production

We should kill all microbes for safety

A student argues that eating only refrigerated food is the healthiest option. What is the best critique of this based on the chapter?

Refrigeration slows microbe growth but doesn't eliminate them, and traditional preservation methods like drying and fermenting also preserve nutritional value and cultural significance

Refrigerated food is always fresh

All unrefrigerated food is dangerous

The chapter mentions that 'bad eating habits can lead to indigestion.' Identify which combination of habits would be MOST harmful.

Gulping food without chewing AND eating fast food regularly AND not rinsing the mouth

Eating seasonal fruits AND chewing slowly AND rinsing the mouth

Drinking curd AND using incisors to cut food AND visiting the dentist

Eating pickles AND drinking water AND eating slowly

Why is the practice of 'waiting for seasonal fruits' significant beyond just food flavour?

Seasonal eating supports local farmers, reduces transport costs and energy, ensures freshness, and connects us to nature's cycles

Seasonal fruits are cheaper only

Evaluate Disha's approach to learning about food. What makes her an effective learner?

She combines observation, questioning, experimentation, and listening to elders, which mirrors the scientific method

She memorises findings without questioning

She only trusts her brother's words

Which of the following are TRUE about the role of microbes in food?

Some microbes (in curd) help in digestion

Microbes help ferment idli batter

All microbes make food dangerous

Which evidence does the chapter give for traditional wisdom being scientifically valid?

Using oil in pickles (removes air)

Drying chillies in the Sun (removes moisture)

Using salt and pepper to preserve food (creates unfavourable environment for microbes)

NCERT Solutions Class 5 EVS Chapter 3 – The Mystery of Food

Name: The Mystery of Food – Class 5 EVS
Uploaded: 2026-09-10T03:56:20+00:00
Description: The chapter “The Mystery of Food” follows Detective Disha as she explores how food spoils, how microbes affect it, and the different ways to preserve and store food safely. She also learns about healthy eating habits, digestion, oral hygiene, and the importance of good microbes in our daily lives.

Class 5 EVS

Last Updated: 10 September 2026

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Chapter Introduction

The chapter “The Mystery of Food” follows Detective Disha as she explores how food spoils, how microbes affect it, and the different ways to preserve and store food safely. She also learns about healthy eating habits, digestion, oral hygiene, and the importance of good microbes in our daily lives.

हिंदी में (Hindi)

अध्याय “खाद्य का रहस्य” डिटेक्टिव दिशा के साथ यह बताता है कि भोजन कैसे खराब होता है, सूक्ष्मजीव (माइक्रोब्स) इसका प्रभाव कैसे डालते हैं, और भोजन को सुरक्षित रूप से संरक्षित और संग्रहित करने के विभिन्न तरीके। इसके साथ ही वह स्वस्थ खाने की आदतें, पाचन, मौखिक स्वच्छता और हमारे दैनिक जीवन में अच्छे सूक्ष्मजीवों के महत्व के बारे में भी सीखती है।

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Important Points

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Practice MCQ Questions (42 questions)

Q1. Who is the main character investigating food mysteries in this chapter?

Q2. What caused the coloured patches on Disha's uttapam?

Q3. What instrument is used to see microbes?

Q4. What do microbes need to grow?

Q5. What method removes moisture from chillies to preserve them?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Tough Words (Glossary)

Spoilage

Meaning: The process of food becoming bad or rotten.

अर्थ: सड़ना / खराब होना

"Food spoilage makes it unsafe to eat."

Curious

Meaning: Eager to know or learn something.

अर्थ: जिज्ञासु

"The curious child asked many questions."

Foul

Meaning: Very unpleasant; bad smell or taste.

अर्थ: बदबूदार

"The foul smell came from the garbage."

Mystery

Meaning: Something difficult to understand or explain.

अर्थ: रहस्य

"The missing keys were a mystery."

Detective

Meaning: A person who investigates mysteries or crimes.

अर्थ: जासूस

"The detective solved the case."

Enquiry

Meaning: An act of asking for information.

अर्थ: जाँच / पूछताछ

"She made an enquiry about the train timings."

Mould

Meaning: A fungus that grows on old or spoiled food.

अर्थ: फफूंदी

"Mould grew on the bread."

Microbes

Meaning: Tiny living things like bacteria and fungi.

अर्थ: सूक्ष्मजीव

"Microbes help in making curd."

Microscope

Meaning: An instrument to see very small things.

अर्थ: सूक्ष्मदर्शी

"He saw microbes under the microscope."

Colony

Meaning: A group of the same kind of living things together.

अर्थ: झुंड / समूह

"The mould was a colony of microbes."

Moisture

Meaning: Small amounts of water in the air or food.

अर्थ: नमी

"Plants need moisture to grow."

Preservation

Meaning: Keeping food safe from spoiling.

अर्थ: संरक्षण

"Drying is a method of food preservation."

Dehydration

Meaning: The process of removing water.

अर्थ: जलशोषण

"Dehydration of fruits keeps them safe for months."

Pickling

Meaning: Preserving food in vinegar or oil.

अर्थ: अचार बनाना

"Pickling mangoes keeps them tasty for years."

Refrigeration

Meaning: Keeping food cold to prevent spoilage.

अर्थ: शीतलन

"Milk is kept fresh by refrigeration."

Packaging

Meaning: Wrapping food to protect it.

अर्थ: पैकिंग

"Proper packaging keeps food safe."

Indigestion

Meaning: Pain or discomfort in the stomach after eating.

अर्थ: अपच

"He had indigestion after eating too much."

Remedies

Meaning: Solutions or cures for problems.

अर्थ: उपचार

"Home remedies help with cough."

Traditional

Meaning: Old customs or ways passed down.

अर्थ: पारंपरिक

"India has many traditional foods."

Seasonal

Meaning: Available only in a particular season.

अर्थ: मौसमी

"Mango is a seasonal fruit."

Incisors

Meaning: Front teeth used for cutting food.

अर्थ: काटने वाले दाँत

"We use our incisors to bite an apple."

Canines

Meaning: Pointed teeth used to tear food.

अर्थ: नुकीले दाँत

"Dogs have strong canines."

Premolars

Meaning: Teeth used to crush food.

अर्थ: पीसने वाले दाँत

"We use premolars to crush nuts."

Molars

Meaning: Back teeth used for grinding food.

अर्थ: चबाने वाले दाँत

"Molars help grind the food."

Saliva

Meaning: Liquid in the mouth that helps digest food.

अर्थ: लार

"Saliva helps break down food."

Hygiene

Meaning: Keeping clean to stay healthy.

अर्थ: स्वच्छता

"Brushing daily is good oral hygiene."

Dentist

Meaning: A doctor who treats teeth.

अर्थ: दंत चिकित्सक

"The dentist treated my toothache."

Cavity

Meaning: A hole in a tooth caused by decay.

अर्थ: कैविटी / दाँत में छेद

"The dentist filled the cavity."

Choking

Meaning: Being unable to breathe because food is stuck.

अर्थ: दम घुटना

"He started choking on the food."

Spices

Meaning: Strong-flavoured seeds or powders used in cooking.

अर्थ: मसाले

"Spices add flavour to food."

NCERT Solutions Class 5 EVS Chapter 3 – The Mystery of Food

Chapter Introduction

Watch Video Lecture

Important Points

Practice MCQ Questions (42 questions)

Q1. Who is the main character investigating food mysteries in this chapter?

Q2. What caused the coloured patches on Disha's uttapam?

Q3. What instrument is used to see microbes?

Q4. What do microbes need to grow?

Q5. What method removes moisture from chillies to preserve them?

Q6. Why is oil added to pickles?

Q7. What does a refrigerator do to slow food spoilage?

Q8. Which teeth are used for cutting food?

Q9. Which teeth are used for grinding food?

Q10. What helps in digestion when we chew food properly?

Q11. Disha's grandfather told her that people used which substances to preserve food long ago?

Q12. What is mould made up of?

Q13. Why do pickles last longer than fresh vegetables?

Q14. What makes idli batter fluffy?

Q15. Why did Disha's grandmother's pickle last two months without spoiling?

Q16. Why is it important to chew food properly?

Q17. Seasonal fruits taste best when eaten in season because:

Q18. Why does curd help with indigestion?

Q19. What type of waste preservation did insects do before humans?

Q20. Black pepper was historically significant because:

Q21. What is the danger of choking?

Q22. Oral hygiene is important because:

Q23. Why do scientists say removing moisture OR air from food prevents spoilage?

Q24. Disha observed that bread left on the balcony spoiled in two days but her grandmother's pickle lasted months. What principle explains this difference?

Q25. How does air-tight canning preserve food in factories?

Q26. Why is it dangerous to eat food that looks clean but smells bad?

Q27. If Disha's Anna (brother) had not explained about microbes, what FALSE conclusion might Disha have drawn about her spoiled uttapam?

Q28. Why should you rinse your mouth after eating according to the dentist?

Q29. What is the significance of buying local fruits according to Disha's father?

Q30. How does finding 'traditional practices related to food' relate to science?

Q31. Which are methods of food preservation mentioned in the chapter?

Q32. Which of the following facts about microbes are mentioned in the chapter?

Q33. Which types of teeth and their functions are correctly matched in this chapter?

Q34. Disha's Anna explains that microbes are everywhere. What does this suggest about efforts to create a completely microbe-free environment?

Q35. A student argues that eating only refrigerated food is the healthiest option. What is the best critique of this based on the chapter?

Q36. The chapter mentions that 'bad eating habits can lead to indigestion.' Identify which combination of habits would be MOST harmful.

Q37. Why is the practice of 'waiting for seasonal fruits' significant beyond just food flavour?

Q38. Evaluate Disha's approach to learning about food. What makes her an effective learner?

Q39. Which of the following are TRUE about the role of microbes in food?

Q40. Which conditions promote microbial growth in food?

Q41. Which evidence does the chapter give for traditional wisdom being scientifically valid?

Q42. What are the consequences of poor oral hygiene mentioned or implied in the chapter?