Cook (profession)

Cook (profession)

A cook is a professional who prepares food for consumption, often in a commercial establishment such as a restaurant or hotel. The term can also refer to a domestic worker who cooks meals for a household.

History

The profession of cooking has a long and varied history, with cooks being an integral part of societies around the world for thousands of years. In ancient civilizations such as Rome and Greece, cooks were often slaves or servants, while in others, such as China, they were respected members of the court.

Roles and responsibilities

The primary role of a cook is to prepare food that is both delicious and safe to eat. This involves a variety of tasks, including preparing ingredients, cooking meals, and cleaning up after cooking. In a professional setting, cooks may also be responsible for planning menus, ordering supplies, and supervising kitchen staff.

Training and qualifications

Becoming a professional cook often requires formal training, typically through a culinary school or apprenticeship program. In addition to learning cooking techniques and recipes, students also study food safety, nutrition, and kitchen management. Some cooks may also choose to specialize in a particular type of cuisine, such as French, Italian, or Japanese.

See also

• Chef
• Culinary arts
• List of cooking techniques
• Food preparation