Smoked foods are items that have been exposed to smoke from burning or smoldering materials, typically wood. This process not only adds a distinct flavor but also helps preserve the food by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Common smoked foods include meats, fish, and cheese. The smoking process can be done using various methods, such as cold smoking and hot smoking. Cold smoking involves exposing food to smoke at lower temperatures, while hot smoking cooks the food at higher temperatures. Both methods enhance the taste and texture of the food, making smoked items popular in many cuisines worldwide.