Aluminum foil is widely used in cooking for several purposes. It serves as a barrier to prevent food from sticking to the cooking surface, making cleanup easier. It can be used to wrap foods for baking or steaming, such as fish or vegetables, to retain moisture and flavor. Aluminum foil is also used to create packets for cooking 'en papillote', sealing in juices and aromas. Additionally, it can be used to cover food to prevent over-browning in the oven or to create a makeshift roasting bag for meats. It's important to note that while aluminum foil is heat resistant, it should not be used with acidic foods as it can react with them.