In recipe conversion, what does the abbreviation A.P. stand for?

In recipe conversion, the abbreviation A.P. stands for "As Purchased." This term refers to the state of food products when they are acquired from a supplier or vendor, before any processing or preparation occurs. Understanding A.P. is crucial in the context of ingredient measurements and costs in food service operations because it reflects the original condition of the product, which may differ from its final, usable form after cleaning, trimming, or cooking.

For instance, when a chef orders whole vegetables, the A.P. weight is the weight of those vegetables before any part is removed. This understanding helps in accurately calculating portion sizes and food costs, ensuring efficient inventory management and recipe development. Recognizing the difference between A.P. and the final usable yield is essential for chefs and food service managers to maintain budgets and consistently deliver quality meals.