Food is any substance consumed to provide dietary support for an organism. It is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Different species have evolved a variety of feeding behaviours to satisfy their nutritional needs within specific ecological niches.
Humans have a complex relationship with food. Food is more than just fuel for the body, it can also be a source of pleasure and satisfaction. It is important to eat a balanced diet to ensure proper growth and development.
People obtain food in a variety of ways, such as hunting and gathering, horticulture, agriculture, and fishing. Many cultures have distinct foods that are a part of their heritage. Some food is grown and prepared at home, and some is bought from shops or eaten in restaurants or other places that serve ready-to-eat meals called refectories. The types of food available in a region may be affected by climate, soil quality, and availability of resources.
For humans, the most important food sources are plants and animals. Plants provide carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and protein, as well as vitamins, minerals, and water. Animals provide a source of meat, dairy products, eggs, and oily fish. Some people choose not to eat animal products, which is known as vegetarianism.
The type of food eaten by a person or group can vary according to the season, the availability of certain foods, and social and cultural factors. Eating habits can change with travel and migration, as new foods are introduced from other regions. Food can also be a way for people to express their culture. For example, a cuisine that includes spicy dishes is often associated with a country or region that has a strong spice-producing heritage.
Cooking is a common activity in most households, and it can be done using a variety of cooking utensils, including pots, pans, and electric skillets. People can also use food processors and blenders to prepare ingredients for recipes. In addition, food can be cooked and stored in refrigerators or freezers.
People have varied ideas about how to prepare and present food, and the subject is widely discussed in books, magazines, and websites. In the 20th century, writers such as M.F.K. Fisher, Elizabeth David, and Claudia Roden elevated the writing of cookbooks into a literary genre. These writers, along with those who wrote about food in more theoretical terms, such as Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin and Iles Brody, promoted a vision of the kitchen as a site for both artistic expression and scientific inquiry. This trend continued into the 21st century, when writers such as Ruth Reichl and Alice Waters expanded the range of writing about food to include memoir, fiction, and journalism, with a concentration on the cultural aspects of eating and drinking. The genre of food writing has become so broad and varied that it is difficult to categorize.