Science of Cooking: Ask the Inquisitive Cooks! (2024)

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" What is the purpose of salt in cake recipes? "

Dear Anne and Sue,

What is the purpose of salt in cake recipes? Is it for taste only, or does it also aid in leavening? Is there a ratio formula for each cup of flour?

Thanks,
Diahn Green

Still have more questions? You'll find more answers in our archived monthly feature articles by the Inquisitive Cooks.

( Meet the Inquisitive Cooks )

Dear Diahn,

The main function of salt in cake recipes is to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients. Its presence perks up the depth and complexity of other flavors as the ingredients meld. Salt also provides a balance to the sweetness of cake batters—but a salty flavor should not be discernible.

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Depending upon the method of combining ingredients, salt can also have a strengthening effect if it's combined with egg whites. If whipped egg whites to which salt has been added are "folded in," they're better able to hold their volume. Although salt is not considered to be an aid in leavening, it can contribute slightly to the volume of some recipes.

An often-cited proportion is 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of salt per cup of flour, though other sources may cite different amounts. There is not a specific ratio formula for home baking. This means that the salt in a recipe may require adjusting—for example, if a high proportion of salted butter is included.

You can reduce the salt according to your taste, but if you leave it out completely, you'll likely find your cakes taste a little "flat."

Anne & Sue

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Science of Cooking: Ask the Inquisitive Cooks! (2024)

FAQs

What is the scientific approach to cooking? ›

Molecular gastronomy is the scientific approach of cuisine from primarily the perspective of chemistry.

What are the scientific principles of cooking? ›

Let's take a closer look at a few reactions between heat and food and discover the scientific principles behind some of our favorite dishes.
  • Maillard Reaction: The Browning Magic. ...
  • Protein Denaturation: Changing Structures. ...
  • Gelatinization: The Science of Starch. ...
  • Caramelization: Sugars at Work. ...
  • Cooking Oil and Heat Transfer.
Oct 6, 2023

Is cooking chemistry or physics? ›

For example, the art of cooking itself is chemistry; we use various processes, including heating up and freezing food, adding spices to your favorite dish, browning bread, and more. Chemistry is an essential component in the kitchen.

What is the basic science behind cooking? ›

The role of heat, acid, and enzymes in cooking

Heat and enzymes: Heat breaks down enzymes such as proteins. This is called denaturing, and it's why egg whites turn solid and white when you cook them. Without this reaction, many foods wouldn't have their distinctive "bite" when you eat them.

What is the science of cooking called? ›

Molecular gastronomy, or progressive cuisine, is a movement that incorporates science and new techniques in the preparation, transformation and artistic presentation of food. It is the study of molecules as they relate to the chemical and physical processes of cooking.

What is the best question to ask a chef? ›

Chef Interview Questions to Assess Background and Skill Level
  • Tell me about any formal training you've received.
  • Do you have any relevant industry certifications?
  • Where did you receive the most hands-on training?
  • Have you ever been responsible for creating or updating menus?

Is cooking a science or math? ›

While cooks and chefs don't need science or math degrees, they do need a working knowledge of the principles of numbers, chemistry, and biology.

Is cooking an exact science? ›

Cooking is flexible, while baking is precise

And while all cooking is scientific, it's true that baking relies on pure scientific precision to create a great dish.

Is cooking an art or science? ›

Culinary Arts: A blend of Art & Science. Culinary art is both an art and a science. It requires more than just knowledge of the food being prepared and the methods of preparation. It involves what flora & fauna gives us in the form of ingredients.

Can cooking be a scientific method? ›

We come to the scientific view of cooking, which explains it as a scientific process that combines physical, chemical and biological reactions.

What is the science of cooking techniques? ›

Convection
  • Convection can be as simple as stirring a pot on the stove.
  • Hot air in an oven creates movement either through a natural or a fan-forced process.
  • Boiling, simmering, or steaming creates movement through the heating and condensation of water.
  • Deep-frying in oil is a convection process similar to boiling water.

What is scientific method in food? ›

Nutritional scientists discover the health effects of food and its nutrients by first making an observation. Once observations are made, they come up with a hypothesis, test their hypothesis, and then interpret the results.

What is the scientific definition of cooked? ›

In scientific terms, cooking is transferring energy from a heat source to the food. It is as much about the ways ​heat changes the food as it is about the heat itself.

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