Why is rotating trays in the oven important during baking?

Rotating trays in the oven is crucial primarily because it ensures even baking and helps prevent hotspots. Ovens can have areas that heat differently, leading to uneven cooking or baking of products. By rotating trays, you allow all parts of the product to be exposed to consistent heat, which contributes to a more uniform texture and overall doneness.

While enhancing flavor and improving color uniformity are important aspects of baking, they are not directly related to the physical act of rotating trays. Increasing baking time is typically a consequence of removing trays or adjusting oven settings, not an inherent benefit of rotation. Therefore, the main reason for rotating trays is to achieve that critical uniformity in baking.