How is baking defined in culinary terms?

Baking is defined in culinary terms as the process of cooking food by surrounding it with hot, dry air in an oven. This method relies on the consistent, dry heat of the oven to evenly cook various foods, primarily baked goods like bread, pastries, and cakes. During baking, moisture evaporates from the surface of the food, leading to the development of textures and flavors that are characteristic of baked items.

The other methods presented, such as cooking on a stovetop or using water to cook food, pertain to different cooking techniques like boiling, sautéing, or steaming, which have distinct characteristics and mechanics compared to baking. Grilling involves direct heat from below, which also differentiates it from the dry, enveloping heat of an oven used in baking. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone working in culinary fields, as each method yields different results and is suitable for different types of dishes.