Seasonings and Flavorings Condiments, Nuts, and Seeds Seasoning and Flavoring Foods
Condiments Prepared mixtures we use to season/flavor foods Usually not included in the dish individually added based on preferences Can alter the flavor bay adding a spicy, sweet, savory, sweet, sour, salty, or umami taste Also add color, texture, and temperature contrast Examples of traditional condiments: Mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, salad dressings
Condiments Selecting and storing condiments: When purchasing bottled condiments be sure that container does not have any bulges, leaks, or dents Keep in the refrigerator after opening Using condiments: Condiments should be used sparingly You want enough that the person eating the food can have a taste on every bite Not too much to overpower the taste of the dish The exact amount is personal preference
Nuts and Seeds Nuts are the fruit of various trees (exception = the peanut which grows underground) Available in a variety of ways/forms In the shell or shelled Uncooked, roasted, blanched Shelled are available whole, halved, slivered, chopped, etc. Can be used to produce butters Seeds are the part of a plant that can grow into a new plant Some used in same ways as nuts in large qualities Sesame seeds, poppy seeds Others are used as spices Nutmeg, cumin, mustard seeds, fennel seeds
Nuts and Seeds Storing nuts and seeds: Cool, dark, dry areas Nuts that are vacuum packed can last (almost) indefinitely Opened packages can spoil quickly (4 weeks to 6 months depending on type) Using nuts and seeds: Roasted/toasted to bring out flavors Easily scorched Once turning brown and smelling fragrant they should be immediately put into a cool or room temperature dish
Seasoning Foods Seasonings are used in small quantities to improve flavors of a dish Usually can t taste individual seasoning Dish as a whole has improved flavor Enhancing natural flavors: Intensify the taste natural in the dish Example: boiling pasta in salted water Balancing tastes: Can overcome a negative taste (bitter, sour, etc.) to make the overall dish taste better Example: adding salt to balance bitter or sweet; adding sugar to balance sour Cutting richness: Can reduce the fatty taste Example: adding lemon juice or vinegar to reduce oily taste
Types of Seasonings Four basic types: Salt Pepper Sugar Acids When you season food, you add just enough of one or more to change a basic taste not enough to add a whole new taste
Types of Seasonings Salt: Is found underground (mined) or is sea water (evaporated) Lasts indefinitely (but can clump if exposed to moisture) When added in small amounts it enhances the flavor of the food Can use high-sodium foods in a dish Examples: soy sauce, Parmesan cheese, bacon, olives Additional examples: Table salt refined to remove minerals fine, even grains Iodized salt table salt with iodine added Sea salt made from evaporated seawater and not refined so it contains minerals and other elements varies from fine grain to coarse crystals Kosher salt made without additives fine or coarse grains Rock salt generally not used for consumption ice cream makers and a bed for oysters or other shelled items Monosodium glutamate (MSG) not actually a salt but used in similar settings flavor enhancer
Types of Seasonings Pepper: Used in small amounts Slightly hot to bring out the flavor of foods Examples: black pepper (dried unripe berry) and white pepper (dried unripe berry with husk removed) Sugar and other sweeteners: In small amounts, sugar enhances the other flavors in a dish Sugar with a distinctive flavor, such as brown sugar, is used as a flavoring NOT a seasoning Acids: Examples: lemon/orange juice, vinegar, wine
Flavoring Foods When seasoning foods you try to improve the food s unique flavor without changing it significantly Example: add small amount of salt to cook rice = rice will taste like rice When you flavor a food, you can change the food s flavor Example: adding a large amount of salt to cook rice = rice will taste salty Do this by adding herbs, spices, aromatics, and condiments
Seasonings and Flavorings Review Check for Understanding