Is Cooking Really a Science and How Does It Use the Scientific Method?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dagenais
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cooking Science
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Cooking is fundamentally a science that employs the scientific method, as evidenced by the principles of emulsification, such as in mayonnaise. While many view cooking as an art, understanding the scientific processes behind cooking can enhance culinary skills. Alton Brown's show on Food Network exemplifies the integration of science and cooking, demonstrating how knowledge of the "whys" can improve cooking techniques. Chefs are likened to intuitive chemists, blending art and science to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of emulsification processes in cooking
  • Familiarity with the scientific method
  • Basic cooking techniques and principles
  • Knowledge of culinary shows, particularly Alton Brown's "Good Eats"
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the science of emulsification in cooking, focusing on mayonnaise
  • Explore the scientific method as applied to culinary practices
  • Watch Alton Brown's "Good Eats" for practical applications of cooking science
  • Study the role of intuition in cooking and how it relates to scientific principles
USEFUL FOR

Culinary enthusiasts, aspiring chefs, food scientists, and anyone interested in the intersection of cooking and science will benefit from this discussion.

Dagenais
Messages
289
Reaction score
4
I've heard a lot of people that say cooking is a science. I've always thought of cooking as an art...a very tasting one.

Can someone explain to me how cooking is a science, and how it incorporates the scientific method?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
If you can, watch Alton Brown's show on Food Network.
 
cooking is an art truly...once you get the feel of it, you just know what works and what doesn't.
 
Dagenais said:
I've heard a lot of people that say cooking is a science. I've always thought of cooking as an art...a very tasting one.

Can someone explain to me how cooking is a science, and how it incorporates the scientific method?

You don't need science to learn and know how to cook. Just watch your mother do it. If Cooking is science, then mothers are the best scientists!
 
Cooking is very scientific, it's just that when you cook, you don't think about it.

Mayonaise is an emulsification. It's a very common everyday item in the kitchen. Here's a more scientific explanation.

http://tooldoc.wncc.nevada.edu/mayo.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It's very much a science as well, albeit an applied science. You don't need to know the whys, just the hows.

Knowing the whys can make you a better cook.
 
Gokul43201 said:
If you can, watch Alton Brown's show on Food Network.
I "LOVE" Alton Brown!
 
I think he's pretty amazing, too. Good Eats is a good watch !

Now that you think I'm a weirdo I'll just go and hide somewhere for a few days.
 
Evo said:
Cooking is very scientific, it's just that when you cook, you don't think about it.

Mayonaise is an emulsification. It's a very common everyday item in the kitchen. Here's a more scientific explanation.

http://tooldoc.wncc.nevada.edu/mayo.htm

Thanks for clearing that up with your link, evo. From now on I shall hold my mother firm as one of the best scientists. This woman just cooks so well...sorry to tell the whole world about it!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
Chefs are intuitive chemists
 
  • #11
Cooking is the perfect joining of art and science! Good food has to both look good and taste good!
 
  • #12
Gokul43201 said:
Now that you think I'm a weirdo I'll just go and hide somewhere for a few days.
We're ALL weirdos...and PF is where we hide. :smile: :smile:
 
  • #13
Cooking is not a science per se, but if you've worked in a lab you'll see you're doing the same thing, except with cooking you get to taste the results :-p
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
7K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
Replies
43
Views
18K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 131 ·
5
Replies
131
Views
10K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
207
Replies
11
Views
5K