What does food preparation primarily involve?

Food preparation primarily involves cooking and preparing foods to be eaten. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including washing, chopping, mixing, seasoning, cooking methods like boiling, frying, and baking, as well as plating for service. The goal is to transform raw ingredients into a finished product that is ready for consumption, ensuring it is not only safe but also appealing in taste and presentation.

Mixing ingredients without heat, while an aspect of food preparation, does not encompass the full scope of cooking processes involved. Techniques such as baking and roasting represent specific methods rather than an overarching definition of food preparation. Storing food in refrigeration is an important part of food safety and preservation but does not relate directly to the preparation of food for immediate consumption. Overall, option B captures the complete essence of food preparation as it includes cooking methods and the overall process of making food ready to eat.