What should a cook do first once ingredients arrive in the kitchen?

The first step a cook should take upon receiving ingredients in the kitchen is to inspect them for quality. This step is crucial because it ensures that the cook is using fresh, high-quality ingredients, which are fundamental for achieving desirable flavors and textures in the final dish. During this inspection, the cook checks for signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, odd smells, or any unusual textures.

If the ingredients do not meet quality standards, they should not be used. High-quality ingredients directly impact the overall success and safety of the meal. Ensuring that only the best ingredients are utilized can prevent issues later in the cooking process and help maintain food safety standards.

The other options, while important, should follow the inspection process. Starting to prepare a meal with potentially spoiled or low-quality ingredients could lead to poor outcomes. Storing the ingredients immediately without inspection could compound any quality issues, and weighing them for recipes should also come after ensuring they are suitable for use. Thus, inspecting for quality is the vital first step in managing ingredients effectively in a kitchen.