Step 1: Concept
During deep fat frying, fats and oils undergo various chemical reactions such as oxidative, hydrolytic, and thermal reactions. These reactions lead to changes in the quality of the oil, including off-flavors, darkening, foaming, and increased viscosity.
Step 2: Meaning
The assertion (A) states that during deep fat frying, exposure of oil and fat to high temperatures in the presence of air and moisture leads to a series of chemical reactions. These reactions progressively deteriorate the quality of the fat or oil, resulting in off-flavors, darkening, foaming, and increased viscosity.
Step 3: Analysis
Reason (R) explains that at frying temperatures between 150-190°C, oxygen from the air attacks double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids, promoting oxidation and polymerization. Additionally, moisture causes hydrolysis of triglycerides, leading to a deterioration in quality. This explanation aligns with the assertion by detailing specific mechanisms involved in the chemical reactions that deteriorate oil quality.
Step 4: Conclusion
The reason (R) provides a detailed mechanism for the processes described in the assertion (A). Therefore, both statements are correct and the reason correctly explains the assertion.
Final Answer: (A)