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

The abbreviation A.P. stands for "As Purchased" in recipe conversion. This term refers to the weight or volume of a food item before any processing, cleaning, or preparation takes place. Understanding A.P. is crucial for accurate recipe costing, menu planning, and portion control in food service operations.

When calculating food costs or making adjustments to a recipe, using the A.P. measurement ensures that chefs and culinary specialists account for all necessary ingredients in their raw state. This is important because the weight or volume of ingredients can change significantly after preparation, such as peeling, trimming, or cooking, which can affect the overall yield and the cost per serving.

In contrast, other abbreviations like "As Prepared" or "Available Portion" refer to measurements after processing or to the serving size, which would not provide the same clarity for inventory and cost calculations. Thus, recognizing that A.P. specifically denotes the unprocessed state of ingredients is key in culinary operations.