Let me ask you a question: “from what height do you sprinkle salt onto your food?”. Well, If you’re like most people out there, chances are you’re doing it from a height of about 2-3 inches (5-8cm).
But not chefs they don’t. Chefs season their food from way up. And when i say “way up”, i mean way up to 10-12 inches (25-30cm)! But have you ever wondered why? Is this some sort of food preparing theatrics or does it really matter?
Well, wonder no more you useless info junkie, because it’s time to clue you in. (the article continues after the ad)
The reason why chefs season from a height is because doing so gives an even distribution of the seasoning. You see, when you sprinkle the seasoning from high up, the area where that seasoning will eventually land is much larger and therefore, the seasoning itself will be more evenly spread out.
It’s as simple as that and you can also try it at home. Just take a pinch of salt and sprinkle it from about 2 inches (5cm) high. Then take another pinch between your fingers and sprinkle it from 10 inches (25cm) high. You’ll notice that the flavoring will be more evenly distributed:
Here are the results in an experiment carried out by Cook’s Illustrated:
FROM 4 INCHES ABOVE
FROM 8 INCHES ABOVE
FROM 12 INCHES ABOVE
And here’s an answer from Jamie Oliver himself when asked about this from a Facebook user:
And now you know!
If you like what you read, then you will definitely love this one: The Real Reason Why Chefs Wear Tall Hats
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Main Article Photo: Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough / Public Domain
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Sources: How To Season Properly – Height Matters! | Sprinkling Seasonings from High Up | Why do you season things from a height does it matter?