Cooking involves the art of using heat in order to prepare food. By altering the food, we create new flavors. We also make nutrients more absorbable. We can also change the texture and the appearance of food. You can cook your meals using liquids, fire, or steam.
There are three main types, dry heat, moist warmth and baking. Each type of cooking yields different results. They can also be used in diverse ways. Some methods of cooking are healthy and others aren't. Knowing the differences between the different types of cooking can help you choose the best method for your recipes.
Baking is often considered to be the healthiest method of cooking. Most recipes begin by making a batter, or dough. The dough is then cooked. Baking helps to enhance the flavor and color of your dish. This method also makes nutrients more absorbable, including folate and thiamin. A common leavener for baked goods, yeast, is what allows the dough to rise. Baking soda and baking powder are also ingredients.
Fry is another type of cooking. Fry is a method that uses oil and fat to produce a crisp or browned finish. This method can be done with vegetables, meats, or eggs. Crunch is a hallmark of fried food. However, heat can also decrease the nutritional value of food.
Moist heat techniques are those that use steam, water or other liquids. This type is most commonly used for cooking vegetables, fruits, meats. The cooking method will vary depending on the dish. For steam to reach food, separate containers are used. A lot of times, the cooking liquid is flavored.
Dry heat cooking involves deep-frying, roasting, and grilling. This type is used to cook meats, vegetables and breads. It is also known by the name cooking in indirect heat. It is similar to baking in that it is done on a hot surface. During cooking, the fat and oil are usually poured out. It gives off a rich, delicious flavor.
Poaching is another cooking technique that uses hot liquid below its boiling point. This type of cooking involves careful preparation to ensure the food doesn’t lose its shape. The cooking liquid can be flavor with spices or additional ingredients.
These cooking methods can be used to create a wide variety of dishes. Each cooking method has a unique texture and flavor. Some foods are best suited in one method of cooking while others are more suitable for another. You can roast meats, but a casserole is great for baking.
Although the origins of cooking can be traced to the early humans, the act of cooking has evolved over time. Many anthropologists believe cooking played a significant role in human evolution. It allowed primitive people to have greater access to different food sources. They also began to spend more time experimenting with different types of foods.