Food guide

Cooking directly impacts two vital aspects of survival: resource management and the character's psychological state.

[] Mood Bonuses: Prepared meals (stews, soups, salads) effectively remove "Boredom" and "Unhappiness" debuffs.[] Calorie Multiplier: Crafting a meal from multiple ingredients provides more satiety than eating the same items raw or separately.
• Safety (Level 7): At level 7, you can add small amounts of rotten food to meals, making them safe to eat without the risk of food poisoning.

To fully utilize the skill, the following tools are required:

[] Containers: Cooking Pot (soups/stews), Frying Pan (stir-fry), Roasting Pan (baking), Bowl (salads and portioning).[] Tools: Kitchen Knife or Hunting Knife (slicing), Can Opener (canned goods), Oven Mitts (prevents burns when using ovens).
• Condiments: Salt, Pepper, Sauces, Sugar. These never expire and significantly boost mood bonuses.

To cook an efficient meal, start with a base (e.g., a pot of water or a pan) and add up to 6 different ingredients.

[] Variety: Using diverse ingredients (e.g., meat + potato + carrot) yields higher bonuses than using six units of the same item.[] Thermal Processing: Once assembled, the meal must be placed in a heat source (oven, campfire, microwave). A red progress bar indicates the cooking state.
• Portioning: Finished stews or soups can be poured into Bowls (2 or 4 portions). This helps manage weight and distribute food among group members.

For long-term survival, Cooking must work in tandem with Farming:

[] Vegetables: Cabbage is the fastest-growing and most calorie-dense crop. Potatoes have the longest shelf life.[] Jarring (Canning): Requires empty jars, lids, vinegar, sugar, and a pot of water. This allows you to store harvests for winter without electricity.
• Freezing: A powered fridge slows spoilage by 5x; a freezer slows it by 20x–50x.

[] Resource Labeling: It is recommended to store perishables, spices, and dry goods in separate, labeled containers.[] Consumption Priority: Use fresh meat and vegetables first. Save canned goods and dry grains for winter or emergencies.
• Heat Sources: If the power goes out, use antique stoves or campfires. Always keep a fire extinguisher or water nearby when using campfires to prevent base fires.