What is the primary function of a food processor?

A food processor is primarily designed to prepare a variety of foods efficiently. Its versatile functions include slicing, grating, chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. This versatility allows cooks to save time and effort in meal preparation, making it an invaluable tool in both home kitchens and professional settings. By utilizing different attachments and blades, a food processor can perform various tasks quickly and consistently, which enhances the cooking process.

The other options refer to functions that are not within the primary capabilities of a food processor. Cooking food requires a heat source, which is not provided by a food processor. Food preservation methods like canning often involve techniques and equipment specifically designed to sterilize and seal jars, which a food processor does not do. Vacuum sealing is another method of food storage that involves removing air from packages to extend shelf life and requires a specialized machine separate from a food processor.