Glossary T
Deutsch: Theobromin / Español: Teobromina / Português: Teobromina / Français: Théobromine / Italiano: Teobromina
Theobromine is a natural compound found in cacao beans, making it an active ingredient in chocolate and cocoa products. Chemically related to caffeine, theobromine belongs to the methylxanthine group, and it is known for its mild stimulant effects. In the food context, theobromine contributes to the characteristic bitter taste of dark chocolate and has various health effects, including mood enhancement and cardiovascular benefits.
Deutsch: Teelöffel / Español: Cucharadita / Português: Colher de chá / Français: Cuillère à café / Italiano: Cucchiaino
Teaspoon in the context of food refers to a unit of volume measurement commonly used in cooking and baking to measure small amounts of ingredients. It is abbreviated as tsp and is equivalent to approximately 5 millilitres (0.17 fluid ounces).
Description
A teaspoon is a standard measurement in recipes for both dry and liquid ingredients. It is often used for precise amounts of items such as spices, baking powder, extracts, or oils. In recipes, the teaspoon allows for accurate and consistent measurements, ensuring the balance of flavours and proper chemical reactions, particularly in baking, where measurements can greatly affect the outcome of a dish.
Teaspoons are part of the set of measuring spoons commonly found in kitchens, which also includes measurements like tablespoons and fractions of a teaspoon (e.g., 1/2 tsp, 1/4 tsp). The capacity of a standard teaspoon can vary slightly by region, but it is broadly accepted that one metric teaspoon equals 5 millilitres.
Application Areas
- Baking: Essential for measuring baking soda, baking powder, vanilla extract, and other leavening agents or flavourings.
- Cooking: Used for adding seasonings, spices, and small amounts of liquid ingredients to savoury and sweet dishes.
- Mixology: In some drink recipes, teaspoons are used to measure syrups, sugar, or small portions of liquors.
- Nutrition and Medicine: Occasionally used as a reference for liquid medicine dosages or nutritional guidelines.
Well-Known Examples
- Spices and Seasonings: Measuring out 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, or cumin in a recipe.
- Baking Ingredients: Using 1 teaspoon of baking powder in a cake or cookie recipe to ensure proper leavening.
- Liquid Ingredients: Adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavour of baked goods or desserts.
- Dressings and Marinades: Including small, balanced amounts of oils or vinegar measured by the teaspoon.
Risks and Challenges
A common challenge with the teaspoon is the potential for inconsistency when using non-standard or household spoons, which may not match the precise volume of a measuring teaspoon. This can lead to variations in taste or texture in a recipe. To avoid such discrepancies, it is important to use accurate measuring tools specifically designed for cooking.
Similar Terms
- Tablespoon: A larger unit of volume used in cooking, equivalent to three teaspoons (about 15 millilitres or 0.5 fluid ounces).
- Millilitre (ml): The metric equivalent often used for precision in recipes.
- Pinch: An informal measurement smaller than a teaspoon, typically used for salt or spices.
- Cup: A larger volume measurement, used for measuring ingredients in larger quantities.
Summary
A teaspoon is a small yet crucial measurement in cooking and baking, providing precision for adding both dry and liquid ingredients. Its consistent use helps ensure that recipes are balanced and successful. While it is generally standardised at 5 millilitres, using appropriate measuring tools is essential for accuracy.
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Deutsch: Toxizität / Español: Toxicidad / Português: Toxicidade / Français: Toxicité / Italiano: Tossicità
Toxicity in the food context refers to the presence of harmful substances, either naturally occurring or introduced, that can pose health risks when ingested. These toxins can originate from various sources, including natural compounds in foods, environmental contaminants, food additives, or chemicals introduced during food processing. Understanding and managing toxicity in food is crucial to ensure food safety and prevent health issues related to toxic exposure.
Deutsch: Behandlung / Español: Tratamiento / Português: Tratamento / Français: Traitement / Italiano: Trattamento
Treatment in the context of food refers to any process or method applied to food items to alter, preserve, improve, or prepare them for consumption. These treatments are often aimed at enhancing safety, extending shelf life, or modifying the texture, flavour, and nutritional value of food.
Deutsch: Toffee / Español: Caramelo / Português: Caramelo / Français: Caramel / Italiano: Caramello
Toffee is a sweet confection made from sugar and butter, often cooked with other ingredients such as cream or molasses to create a firm, chewy, or brittle texture. It is typically cooked by heating the sugar and butter mixture until it reaches a high temperature, causing it to caramelise and develop a rich, buttery flavour. Toffee is a popular treat on its own or as a component in other desserts and candies, with variations including the addition of nuts, chocolate, or flavourings.
Deutsch: Telera / Español: Telera / Português: Telera / Français: Telera / Italiano: Telera
Telera in the food context refers to a type of soft, round Mexican bread roll with a slightly flattened shape and a distinctive trio of horizontal grooves on the top. Telera is a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine, particularly used to make sandwiches like tortas, which are filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Its soft texture and mild flavour make it an ideal bread for hearty, flavourful fillings.