Cooking

Cooking a subject which can be approached as a matter of definition (answer: cooking food is preparing it, by the application of heat, for being eaten) or through many different questions, e.g. how? (see the numerous articles on cookery techniques, such as frying), by whom? (see cooks, chef).

In this article the question is why? And this is one question to which the Latin epigram Tot homines [et feminae] quot sententiae does not apply, since most homines and feminae have not had occasion to think about it at all. Those who have, and who have expressed their thoughts, usually produce several answers, including the promotion of digestibility and an increase in enjoyment; and the order in which such factors are listed provides interesting evidence of the authors’ attitudes to eating.