This revised and updated edition of our bestselling and internationally respected title is the essential reference source for trainers, practitioners and anyone working towards professional qualifications in food and beverage service. - Covers contemporary trends and issues in food and beverage service and offers broad and in-depth coverage of key concepts, skills and knowledge, with developed focus on the international nature of the hospitality industry. - Supports students in gaining a comprehensive overview of the industry, from personal skills, service areas and equipment, menus and menu knowledge, beverages and service techniques, to specialised forms of service, events and supervisory aspects. - Supports a range of professional qualifications as well as in-company training programmes. - Aids visual learners with over 250 photographs and illustrations demonstrating current service conventions and techniques.

Understanding food: principles and preparation thoroughly explores the science of food through core material on food selection and evaluation, food safety and food chemistry. It is ideal for an undergraduate course that covers the basic elements of food preparation, food service and food science. Contemporary and comprehensive, the sixth edition of this best-selling text discusses classification, composition, selection, purchasing and storage for a range of traditional food items, and it explores various aspects of food service, including food preparation, meal planning, equipment, food preservation and government regulations. Updated to reflect the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines.

"'Understanding Food, 3rd ed., is your introductory guide to learning about foods, food preparation, food service, and food science. This text is a launch to prepare you for a variety of careers in the food industry. Highly researched and comprehensive in coverage, 'Understanding Food' thoroughly explores the science of food through core material on food selection and evaluation, food safety and food chemistry. The many aspects of food service are covered including meal planning, basic food preparation, equipment, food preservation and government regulations. The final sections of the text supply food preparation, classification, composition, selection, purchasing and food storage information for a range of traditional food items. A rich illustration and photo program and unique pedagogical features help to make the information easily understandable and interesting." -- Publisher website.

The book seeks not to present a detailed history and discussion, but instead is intended to provide the student with an appreciation of the idea that all cuisines of the world have something unique to offer to a menu. The author strongly believes that foods of other nations (and even other areas of the United States) are too often given short shrift by culture-bound students and chefs, and that every attempt should be made to open their minds to the unlimited possibilities available. The word "foodism" is introduced to refer to biases against foods outside your culture.