Contemporary cuisine approaches the ingredient with the utmost respect. One of the characteristics of this style of cooking is to take each ingredient and respect the integrity of that ingredient as much as possible. This means that the ingredients that are used have to be of the highest possible quality that can be acquired. Freshness is paramount. Food as living, organic matter contains good flavor based upon how the life in the product is treated. The method that was used to raise the ingredient is also important. Organic products taste better than industrially produced products. Conditions of the soil, weather, and how the ingredient is harvested and processed makes a huge differences in the end result that lands on the diner’s plate. Respecting the integrity of the ingredient also means limiting the number of ingredients in a dish to as few as possible. Fewer flavors confuse the palate less and preserve the respect for each individual ingredient to a greater extent. It is better to use the finest, most outstanding ingredients you can find, prepare them to the utmost of your ability, and add items that will accentuate the flavor of the ingredients without imposing on, or masking, the original flavor.