What does it mean when food is referred to as "cooked"?

When food is referred to as "cooked," it means that it has been prepared with heat. Cooking involves applying heat to food, which changes its texture, flavor, and nutritional properties. This process can kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, making the food safer to eat compared to raw foods. Different cooking methods, such as baking, boiling, frying, or grilling, can yield various tastes and qualities in the food, enhancing its palatability and digestibility.

The other options do not accurately convey the meaning of "cooked." For example, describing food as raw and crunchy suggests it has not been subjected to heat, which contradicts the essence of cooking. Saying food is not safe to eat does not connect with the idea of cooking, as properly cooked food is generally safe. Lastly, the terms fresh and organic pertain to the quality and origin of the food rather than its state of preparation. Thus, the appropriate interpretation of "cooked" relates definitively to the application of heat in the food preparation process.