When and, more importantly, why did humans start cooking their food? How was it discovered that fire would change food? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

When and, more importantly, why did humans start cooking their food? How was it discovered that fire would change food?

by DangerMacAwesome

I realize this is pre-history, but I would love to hear the prevailing theories.

CptBuck

Not to discourage answers, but you might want to cross-post this to /r/AskAnthropology.