topping

Topping is a term used in several fields to describe either an added top layer or the act of removing the top part of something. It is most often encountered in culinary, horticultural, and construction contexts, and can refer both to an object placed on top and to a process that modifies height or surface.

In cooking and food presentation, a topping is an ingredient added on top of a dish to provide flavor, texture, or visual appeal. Examples include grated cheese on pasta, sauces or salsa on chips, nuts on ice cream, and whipped cream on desserts. Toppings can be sweet or savory and may be prepared fresh or packaged; they are typically added at serving or toward the end of cooking.

In horticulture, topping is a pruning practice that removes the apex of a plant’s main stem to reduce height and encourage lateral growth. This can help with light penetration, air circulation, and yield, but it may also stress the plant or increase disease risk if done improperly. Topping is commonly used on trees, shrubs, tobacco, and in some forms of cannabis cultivation.

In construction and civil engineering, topping refers to a surface layer placed on an existing structure to restore or improve its wear resistance and finish. A concrete topping or asphalt topping is applied over a base slab or pavement and is typically thinner than the substrate, requiring proper bonding and curing.

In road construction, the topping layer often denotes the final surface course of a pavement, designed to carry traffic and provide a smooth driving surface.