UNDERSTANDING FOOD: PRINCIPLES AND PREPARATION is a best-selling food fundamentals text ideal for an undergraduate course that covers the basic elements of food preparation, food service, and food science. Contemporary and comprehensive in coverage, it introduces students to the variety of aspects associated with food preparation. The Fifth Edition thoroughly explores the science of food through core material on food selection and evaluation, food safety, and food chemistry. Food preparation, classification, composition, selection, purchasing, and storage for a range of traditional food items are discussed, and the various aspects of food service are covered: meal planning, basic food preparation, equipment, food preservation, and government regulations. A rich illustration and photo program and unique pedagogical features make the information easily understandable and interesting to students.