Even I have questioned why I still purchase cookbooks and have such a massive collection. After all, you can find just about any recipe online. Whether you're looking for copycat recipes or that special recipe that you thought was your grandmother's own recipe, you can find it online. Still, cookbooks remain popular and continue to be bestsellers. But, why? Why are cookbooks still popular in today's digital age?
Ease of Access
People have used cookbooks for hundreds of years. For most cooks, it's second nature to grab their favorite cookbook and look up a recipe. For some, the thought of finding the recipe online never occurred to them. It's much easier to continue doing things the way you've always done them. Unfortunately, people are really missing out on the large number of recipes that can be found online. I have found literally thousands of recipes using online groups and by simple searching.
Ability to Easily Flip Through the Books for Ideas
For some reason it's just easier and more comfortable to flip through cookbooks when looking for new ideas. You don't have to turn on the computer, think of somewhere to begin your search or any of that. You just open a book and start browsing. I personally, treat cookbooks like a good novel. I read them through and mark good recipes for later use. You just can't replace that feeling with digital files.
Because They're Collectible
Many cooks aren't just buying cookbooks because of the material found inside. They actually enjoy adding another book to their collection. Whether it's the latest Betty Crocker cookbook or the latest addition from their favorite TV cooking host, there's more to the purchase than simple recipes.
Price
Last, but not least, printed cookbooks remain more popular than their digital counterparts because many people aren't willing to pay the same price for a digital book as they are a real book. It's still hard for many people to feel they are getting their money's worth when they have nothing to physically hold in their hands or resale.
Will the demand for digital cookbooks change? Who knows. What is for certain is that many more people are getting a chance to share their treasured recipes with the world, thanks to independent publishing. Eventually though, all books will more than likely be sold in a digital format simply because ebooks are the biggest thing to happen to the publishing world since the printing press.
