Which technique involves brushing food with a liquid to add moisture and flavor?

Which technique involves brushing food with a liquid to add moisture and flavor?

• A. Baking
• B. Glazing
• C. Baste
• D. Marinating

Answer: (C)

Basting is brushing food with a liquid during cooking to add moisture and flavor. This keeps the surface from drying out and helps build a flavorful layer as the food cooks, using liquids like melted butter, stock, pan drippings, wine, or flavored juices. It’s commonly done with roasts, poultry, or grilled items by brushing or spooning the liquid over the food at intervals. This differs from marinating, which soaks the food before cooking to impart flavor; glazing, which adds a glossy coating often near the end; and baking, which is a dry-heat cooking method rather than a brushing technique.

Basting is brushing food with a liquid during cooking to add moisture and flavor. This keeps the surface from drying out and helps build a flavorful layer as the food cooks, using liquids like melted butter, stock, pan drippings, wine, or flavored juices. It’s commonly done with roasts, poultry, or grilled items by brushing or spooning the liquid over the food at intervals. This differs from marinating, which soaks the food before cooking to impart flavor; glazing, which adds a glossy coating often near the end; and baking, which is a dry-heat cooking method rather than a brushing technique.