Enhance food products.

Enhancing food products should include using

• herbs and spices to enhance food by blending with and creating new flavors (e.g., compound butters)
• oils during cooking, adding oils to food before serving, and using oils as dressings or marinades
• vinegars in cooking, marinades, and salad dressings
• aromatic vegetables, fruits, and condiments to enhance the flavor and aroma of prepared foods
• curing and brining.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

• What foods lend themselves to certain flavors?
• What ingredients do different cultures use to enhance flavor?

Communication

• What fruits and vegetables have aromatic qualities?
• What is the difference between herbs and spices?
• What is the difference between seasoning and flavoring?
• What is mirepoix, and when is it used?
• What is meant by the Cajun trinity?

Leadership

• How should herbs and spices be stored?

Management

• How is food affected by the use of dried vs. fresh herbs?
• How long do ground spices retain potency?