(Redirected from Food seasoning):''Alternate meanings:
Seasoning (cast iron) ;
Seasoning (wood)''
'Seasoning' is the process of adding or improving
flavor of
food. Seasonings include
herbs,
spices, and all other
condiments (which may themselves be referred to as "seasonings"). Salt may be used to draw out
water, or to magnify a natural flavor of a food making it richer or more delicate, depending on the dish. For instance,
kosher salt (a coarser-grained salt) is rubbed into
chicken,
lamb, and
beef to tenderize the meat and improve flavor. Other seasonings like
pepper and
basil transfer some of their flavor to the food. A well designed dish will combine seasonings that complement each other.
In addition to the choice of herbs and seasoning, the timing of when flavors are added will affect the food that is being cooked.
In some cultures, meat may be seasoned by pouring
sauce over the dish at the table. A variety of seasoning techniques exist in various cultures.
Infused Oils is another method of seasoning. There are two methods for doing an infusion — hot and cold.
Olive oil makes a good infusion base for some herbs, but tends to go rancid more quickly than other oils. Infused oils should be kept refrigerated.