What is the essential difference between baking and roasting?

The essential difference between baking and roasting lies in the types of food being cooked and the cooking methods involved. Baking typically refers to the process of cooking food by surrounding it with dry heat in an oven, primarily focusing on items like bread, pastries, and desserts. This method relies on ingredients that require precise measurements and can rise, like yeast or baking powder.

On the other hand, roasting involves cooking food at higher temperatures, which is often used for meats and vegetables. The roasting process allows the exterior of the food to caramelize and develop a flavorful crust, while the inside becomes tender. This technique maximizes flavor development and is usually conducted at temperatures higher than those typically used for baking.

This distinction clarifies that while both methods use dry heat, their applications and the types of food they focus on vary significantly.