A basting brush is used to add liquid to food for flavor and moisture, with synthetic brushes being preferred for their hygiene and durability. They can also be used as pastry brushes and come with basting pots for convenience.
A basting brush is a piece of cooking equipment designed to assist cooks in basting, which refers to adding liquid to foods for flavor and to help keep it moist. Most typically, it is done on meat, although other foods can also be basted. A brush is an excellent way to control the amount of basting applied and use it efficiently. Some cooks may choose to use a basting bulb instead.
The basic design of a basting brush is like that of any other brush, with a handle for gripping and bristles for brushing a surface. This brush is designed to resist heat, however, so it can be used in and around ovens and grills. The bristles can be natural or synthetic, with most cooks preferring synthetic ones, especially silicone ones. To use this tool, the brush is dipped into the base or marinade and applied to the food to be basted.
The classic basting brush is made with a wooden handle and boar or plastic bristles. Some cooks complain that these brushes tend to retain stains, odors and flavors, and are also potential bacterial traps, as the design often includes nooks and crannies. Natural fibers and wood should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. To keep this type of brush hygienic, it should be periodically dipped in bleach to kill potential organisms.
A synthetic brush, especially one with a plastic handle, is usually dishwasher safe. It can also be designed with fewer crevices that trap bacteria, so it’s a better choice for cooks who want to keep their kitchens clean and sanitary. This type of brush can be molded from a solid piece of odor, flavor, heat, stain, and freeze resistant silicone.
Often, a basting brush comes with a basting pot, a special pot designed to hold the marinade and brush. A recess in the pot keeps the brush stable, and the pot is usually meant to hold hot marinades. Some companies make basting pots that can be heated directly. Using this tool can help minimize messes and will keep the marinade very useful. In some cases, a pot may also include a lid so that the contents can be stored.
While this type of brush was especially designed for glazes, sauces, and marinades, it can also be used as a pastry brush. Most cooks keep their basting and pastry brushes separate to avoid food contamination, but a silicone one can be used for either application, as long as it’s thoroughly cleaned between uses. It also helps keep a variety of sizes around, to ensure cooks have brushes for all their needs.
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