First Impressions are Visual
The visual appearance of food is one of the first mental stimuli received before the flavour of the food is even tasted.
Therefore, how the food appears can greatly influence the perception and consequent enjoyment of the food.
Indicator of Edibility
Whether the food is fit to eat can be instantly judged by its colour and textural appearance. At a basic level, this is an essential survival mechanism as poor quality or rotten food could cause sickness. Decisions to not consume a particular food item are often made simply because 'it doesn't look right'.
Indicator of Palatability
The appearance of the food can also give an indication of whether it is going to be flavoursome and enjoyable. For example, a mealy fleshed peach isn't as enjoyable as a juicy one and the brain registers this just by the appearance of the peach flesh.
Reflection of Inner Values
Food is an essential requirement for survival and it is food that provides live giving energy. Therefore what an individual consumes has a direct correlation with their health and well being. We literally become what we eat.
The way that food is prepared and presented is a good indicator of inner values. If an individual practises self love and appreciation then they are more inclined to take care and effort over the quality of the food that they eat and the way that it is presented.
If they have become disconnected from themselves they tend to 'make do' with their food and don't give a second thought to what they are eating or what it looks like. They might even eat straight from the tin or pan. Food just becomes a habit - it is time to eat so they eat.
In the same way, with food that is prepared for others, the value placed on them is shown in the food that is served to them. Slapdash presentation reflects a 'couldn't care less attitude' of both the individual preparing the food and towards those around them.
