Introduction
Most people love to consume their favorite meals from time to time. However, there is the need to evaluate a meal in terms of its nutrients. It is advisable to take a meal that comprises of a balanced diet. Thus, an individual is expected to incorporate, protein, vitamins, carbohydrate and fiber in their diet.
One of the best meals that meet all the above requirements encompasses Ribeye steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, peach pie and Folgers coffee. Thus, a person can be confident of having consumed a balanced diet if they consume a meal encompassing the above foods. This write up highlights various aspects relating to the above foods.
Methods of production
Ribeye steaks can be locally obtained from Rock Springs, Wyoming. Purchases are done by making an order. Ribeye steak is produced by entrepreneurs who sell ready meat to the local outlets. Rearing of beef animals requires a farmer to have massive pieces of land so that there is a constant supply of animal feed.
In some instance, overgrazing can cause degradation of the land. If animal waste is not managed properly during livestock operations, it can contribute to water contamination (Gauldie, 1981).
Folgers coffee is grown on large farms, harvested at maturity and transferred to processing factories. The steps that are involved in its preparation include; fermentation, shelling and drying. It is then classified into; classical roasts, flavored coffee, instant coffee, home cafe and cappuccino. This coffee is also locally available.
Green beans are grown for their flavor, flesh and sweet pods. Cultivation of the same is done in greenhouses. This ensures that the growing conditions are controlled to maximum yields. Furthermore, locally grown Green beans have a good taste compared to the imported ones.
Mashed potatoes obtained from the local market are inexpensive when compared to those obtained from other regions of the world (New cook book, 2005). This is because the cost of production and distribution is low. Therefore, it is preferable to obtained potatoes locally rather than importing the same.
Peach pie is a product that is prepared by incorporating peaches and wheat flour. The flour is prepared, and peaches incorporate into the dough. This is then followed by topping up and finally baking in an oven. Baking is done, and the product is removed from the oven once it turns golden. It is then allowed to cool before being sliced.
Processing and packaging
Ribeye steak is extremely flavorful and tender. Good quality Ribeye steak is prepared by grilling with pepper, salt and garlic powder. It is then processed by pan searing for two minutes on both sides in a skillet at high temperatures; this helps in locking juices that contribute to flavor.
Beef obtained from the rib steak is grilled and boiled for seven minutes to produce remarkable quality Ribeye steak. The normal color of stored Ribeye should remain purplish-red. Processed Ribeye steak is vacuum packed using aluminum foils (North American Meat Processors Association, 2007).
Green beans are stored inside plastic packages and placed in refrigerators but, they must be prepared and consumed within five days (North American Meat Processors Association, 2007). Alternatively, the processing of green beans can involve blanching, canning, and freeze storing. In most cases, green beans are prepared by boiling and stir-frying.
Further, mashed potatoes are peeled and sliced prior to cooking using high temperature short time combinations. On the other hand, peach pie is a baked, cooled and sliced before being wrapped in plastic bags. Likewise, Folgers coffee is prepared by boiling water and mixing it with sugar and instant Folgers coffee.
Substitutes
Ribeye steaks can be substituted with cheese steaks. Substitutes for mashed potatoes include; cauliflower, turnips, rutabagas and celeriac. The most appropriate substitute to green beans is long beans. Long beans hold up heat well and retain crisps on the inside making them ideal in the preparation of stir-fries. The substitute for Folgers coffee can be other beverages such as chocolate and tea.
Economic advantages and disadvantages of the meal
The greatest economic advantage of Ribeye steak is that, it is served in smaller sizes than the average steak sold in restaurants and supermarkets. However, Ribeye steak has soaring cholesterol levels. Mashed potatoes are rich in dietary fiber and sodium.
Besides, they are rich sources of starches, proteins and vitamins (Wilson, 2009). Green beans are good sources of calcium, potassium and dietary fiber. Additionally, they have high amounts of vitamin A.
Ecological advantages and disadvantages
Proper usage of unproductive land involves rearing beef animals. The remains of animals are used as manure in farms. There is the likelihood that soil fertility is improved through the use of animal manure.
Growing of peaches, green bean, and Folgers coffee depletes soil nutrients. However, this can be improved by the use of nitrogenous fertilizers. Moreover, processing of the above product involves the production of wastes that pollute the environment. A positive attribute to this is the purification of gases by plants.
Systems associated with production of Ribeye steaks leads to increased carbon dioxide cases. This leads to global warming. Besides, complaints concerning obesity have been raised as a result of meat products.
Impact of food purchases on environment
Increased agricultural activities contribute to climate change. Waste food in landfills contributes to about 2% of green house emissions. High concentrations of chemicals in landfills find their way to the surrounding water sources causing pollution (Harrison, Cheyney, Overstreet, Towns & Stetzer, 2008).
Lastly, food manufacturing is a serious emitter of greenhouse gases that cause environmental degradation all over the world. When land alteration and broad food structure are taken into account, the entire contribution of food possibly will be as high as 30%. This implies that the long-term consequences of climate change, food manufacturing and production must turn to be tough to climate and low-carbon sustainability.
Change of choices with time
Food purchasing power is influenced by the income levels of consumers. Production and marketing processes should be cost effective to reduce the cost on the ultimate consumer. Emerging concerns over fitness and health will also influence food choices in the future. Ones ethnic and cultural background will dictate their food choices (North American Meat Processors Association, 2007).
Individuals are aware of the impact of some of the processes involving food processing. There is the likelihood that people will boycott products that pollute the surroundings. Therefore, people are cautions on the food that they consume. This has affected purchasing and consumption patterns of most consumers. People prefer foods that do not harm them and their environment.
References
Gauldie, R. (1981). Beyond the fields: Cesar Chavez, the UFW, and the struggle for justice in the 21st century. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Harrison, R., Cheyney, T., Overstreet, D., Towns, E. L., & Stetzer, E. (2008). Spin-off churches: How one church successfully plants another? Nashville, Tenn.: B & H Academic.
New cook book. (2005). Des Moines, Iowa: Better Homes and Gardens Books.
North American Meat Processors Association. (2007). the meat buyer’s guide: Beef, lamb, veal, pork, and poultry. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.
Wilson, P. (2009). Yesterdays mashed potatoes: The fabulous life of a happy has-been. Indianapolis, IN: Dog Ear Publishing.