Cooking Minus the Heat

Does it qualify as cooking if no heat is involved? Technically - probably not, but in reality, food preparation (even it its raw form) involves much of the same skill set, knowledge, and creativity that goes into cooking with heat. Some diets are based exclusively on raw food, and what do you call the person that creates these wonderful dishes if not the cook? Food preparer doesn't have the same ring, I am afraid. And chef, well that really requires formal training. During the summer months, cooking minus the heat is particularly fabulous. So many varieties of fresh vegetables are in season and bursting with flavor that cooking them seems superfluous, if not wasteful. So chop some cucumbers and peaches, toss tomatoes and corn, and sprinkle with mint or basil for a home-uncooked meal that's a breeze.