Answer: It is an Idiomatic expression. ... The expression "following the crowds" is idiomatic, meaning It should be understood figuratively. In a sense, as used in this context it implies there's a price for doing whatever others do pertaining to how long they cook.
Explanation: Following the crowd has it's prices, and you shouldn't always follow what people tell you to do or want you to do, you should do what you want and choose to do, and doing what you think is right is the best choice.