Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

How is the total yield of a recipe determined?

1. By measuring ingredient costs only

2. By looking at the time needed for preparation

3. By assessing the number of servings produced

4. By evaluating the nutritional components

The correct answer is: By assessing the number of servings produced

Determining the total yield of a recipe primarily involves assessing the number of servings produced. This metric provides a clear understanding of how much finished product the recipe will generate, which is essential for planning and portion control in foodservice operations. Total yield is a critical aspect for dietary managers as it helps in managing inventory, forecasting needs, and ensuring that the meals provided meet the expected standards for quantity and quality. By knowing the yield, managers can make informed decisions regarding food purchasing, menu planning, and staffing required for food preparation. While costs, preparation time, and nutritional components are significant factors in recipe development and evaluation, they do not directly define the total outcome in terms of quantity produced. Only the assessment of servings helps quantify how much food is actually created from the recipe, making it the correct way to determine total yield.