What is the opposite of "cooked" when describing food?

The term "raw" is used to describe food that has not undergone any cooking process. It refers to ingredients in their natural, unaltered state, highlighting the fact that they have not been subjected to heat or cooking methods that change their texture, flavor, or nutritional properties. Raw foods often retain their original enzymes and nutrients, which can be beneficial in certain diets.

In contrast, "cooked" implies that the food has been prepared through methods like boiling, baking, or frying, which involve exposure to heat. The other terms do not serve as opposites to "cooked." "Processed" typically refers to food that has been altered from its original form, which can include both raw and cooked components but does not specifically indicate a lack of cooking. "Boiled" and "baked" are specific cooking methods that do not represent the state of being raw. Therefore, "raw" directly contrasts with "cooked" in culinary terminology.