Class 5 • The World Around Us • Health and Well-being • Chapter 3 • Reprint 2026–27
The Mystery of Food: answer-first overview
This original companion connects microbes, food spoilage, useful fermentation, storage, hygiene and preservation by drying, cooling, salt, sugar, oil, spices and airtight packing. It integrates scientific inquiry, social understanding, environmental care and everyday action.
Key learning
- microbes
- food spoilage
- useful fermentation
- storage
- hygiene and preservation by drying
- cooling
- salt
- sugar
- oil
- spices and airtight packing
Core explanation
Preservation slows the growth of spoilage organisms by changing moisture, temperature, air or other conditions. It does not make unsafe food safe again.
Observe and investigate
With an adult, inspect five food labels or storage places. Note the preservation method and the safe-use or expiry guidance.
Practice questions
- How can some microbes be useful in food preparation?
- Why does refrigeration slow spoilage?
- List two signs that food may be unsafe.
Evidence checklist
- Separate an observation from an inference.
- Use a labelled diagram, map, table or timeline when it clarifies the answer.
- Compare more than one factor before reaching a conclusion.
- Follow safety, consent, privacy and environmental-care rules during activities.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Science, Social Science or EVS?
The current NCERT subject is The World Around Us, an integrated preparatory-stage area combining scientific, social and environmental learning. “EVS” is a useful search synonym, not the canonical book title.
Which book contains this chapter?
“The Mystery of Food” is Chapter 3 in Class 5 Our Wondrous World (code eeev1), Reprint 2026–27.
Are unit notes and projects extra chapters?
No. Unit openers, experiments, stories, maps, surveys, journals and projects remain embedded learning material within the ten numbered chapters.
Official sources
- NCERT official Chapter 3 PDF
- NCERT Our Wondrous World selector
- CIET Class 5 audio-book index — the English book is not currently listed there.
Source-checked against publication 0535 and the 2026–27 reprint. No unsupported English audio route is claimed. Legacy Looking Around chapters are excluded.