KINDS AND TYPE OF GARNISH FOR SAVORY AND SWEETS
They say we eat with our eyes first, and it’s no secret that the food garnishes play a significant role in our dining experience. They not only enhance the appearance of a meal but also add texture, flavor, and a touch of artistry to the plate. From simple herbs to intricate designs, garnishes offer a way to showcase your creative skills in the kitchen.
FIVE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ADD FOOD GARNISHES
Visual appeal - food garnishes add color, texture and a touch of elegance, making your meal more enticing and appetizing.
Flavor enhancement - garnishes can contribute additional flavors to a dish, complementing the main ingredients and adding depth to the overall taste.
Texture contrast - garnishes can provide a contrast in texture, adding crunch, crispness or creaminess to a dish.
Showcasing creativity - garnishes offer an opportunity to showcase your creativity in the kitchen.
Professional presentation - If you're cooking for guests or hosting a special occasion, well executed garnishes can give your dishes a professional touch.
FOOD GARNISH IDEAS:
> Extra seasoning
> Micro greens
> Fresh herbs
> Edible flower
> Toasted nuts and seeds
> Sauce
> Olive oil
> Balsamic glaze
> Grated cheese
> Crispy Bacon
> Citrus zest
> Fresh fruit
> Cream and Creme fraiche
> Chocolate shavings
> Tuiles
> Caviar
> Etc.
Certain dishes owe their distinctive appeal and widespread acclaim to the clever use of garnishes. These toppings aren’t just an afterthought; they play a vital role in defining the very essence of the following dishes:
Avocado toast: A trendy and beloved brunch dish, avocado toast becomes even more Instagram-worthy with the addition of sliced cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of microgreens, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, creating a visually pleasing and flavorful garnish.
Caesar salad: The iconic Caesar salad gains its distinct character from the garnish of grated Parmesan cheese, crunchy garlic croutons, and a drizzle of tangy Caesar dressing.
TIPS FOR PLATING AND GARNISHING
Food plating and presentation begin with your choice of plate. Think of this as your canvas and your food as the art you’ll display. You want a plate that doesn’t distract from your creative food presentation, so avoid any with graphic designs. For instance, a plain white plate with simple edges can be an excellent choice for modern food presentation, while a plate with slight ripples or curves at the edges can add a touch of whimsy to your dish.
If it’s too large or small, it skews your food size. Color is important. You want contrast between the color of the plate and the food on it.
Finally, consider plate shape. Circular plates are fine, but you can get creative with alternative shapes, including square, rectangular, and asymmetrical plates, giving things a more modern look.
In addition to plates, you’ll need a few other tools to help you get it right. Cooking squeeze bottles are must-have items to help you artfully decorate the plate, add just the right touch of sauce, and more.
Make sure the cooking squeeze bottles you choose are easy to use, which means they’re super squeezable but also easy to refill and clean when you’re done. If they’re dishwasher safe, so much the better.
Other tools you’ll want to have on hand include a silicone spatula, a set of chopsticks, a clean cloth, and decorative utensils (these are optional but can add interest and help set the tone of your meal, mainly if you’re photographing it).
When you think about food garnishing, chances are good sauces play a significant role. They add visual interest, bring color to the plate, and more. From pesto to caramel, sauces are critical to the success of your food plating and presentation.
Drizzle sauce in a pattern over the food using your plastic squeeze bottles. You can try different patterns to create your desired look, from zigzags to circles.
Of course, there’s more to sauces than drizzles created with cooking squeeze bottles. You can create different effects with spoons, pastry brushes, and even straws.
Food garnishing is an art that can bring a lot to every plate. A carefully placed sprinkle of parsley, artfully arranged fruit, and other garnishes bring life and a sense of motion to your plates.
You can use almost anything as a garnish, but make sure it ties into the plate somehow, even if that’s just contrasting a color. Pea shoots, chives, radish slices, red bell pepper, parsley, rosemary, basil, chunky salt, and flowers can all work as garnishes to set your plate off.
Going back to the plate-as-canvas analogy, create a picture on the plate. Put your main food item in the center and arrange everything around it. Make sure to use space to your advantage and to keep your plate from looking crowded.
Your food picture should have a pleasing balance of flavors, colors, textures, and heights. Note that height should descend from the center toward the outer edges of your plate in most cases, but you can get creative with heights to design unique textures and patterns.
You'll learn how to present food on a plate. Too many food items can overload the senses and create an unbalanced plate. Simple is better.
Anyone can master food plating and garnishing. It just takes a little practice, some basic knowledge, and the right tools, like a set of squeeze bottles. Take time to experiment and interact with your food to create a visually stunning plate. It’s the only way to get a feel for using those cooking squeeze bottles and other tools, along with food textures, colors, and heights.