Cooking is one of the most complex and complex areas of human activity. During cooking, a variety of processes must be performed and monitored. For example, working with flour is particularly difficult. Before adding this ingredient to any dish, you need to ensure that it is clean and does not contain any impurities. For this, the flour is sifted through a sieve.
Today, the market can find a wide range of kitchen equipment. Sieve are no exception. Manufacturers and sellers offer consumers a variety of types of this kitchen appliance. What type of sieve to choose and how to use it correctly - read in our article. Here you will learn all the subtleties of using this subject, as well as find answers to all your questions.
Description
Sieve - a device for sifting flour, which today can be found in almost every kitchen. Despite the fact that this adaptation is quite popular in our days, it first appeared in ancient times. Over the years of its existence, the sieve has repeatedly changed its appearance, from the functional point of view, remaining the same practical object of kitchen furniture.
In general, if we describe the appearance and general construction of any sieve, then it should be said that This object is a kind of case on which the grid is fixed. It is understood that it is through this grid that this or that product should be sifted (in most cases - flour). As we can see, the design of the device is quite simple, but nevertheless quite effective and helps to solve a variety of culinary problems.
The sieve can be made of various materials: today in the market and in shops you can buy household appliances made of metal, plastic or wood. Moreover, the lattice is usually made of plastic or the same hair mesh.
The mechanism of operation of the sieve is quite simple: the device must be in continuous motion at the time of direct operation. Such a rule ensures uniform and thorough screening - the flour is not clogged in the holes of the sieve.
What is a sieve for?
The sieve is a universal device without which no hostess can do. Despite the fact that today a large variety of ecological clean products, ready-to-eat foods and ready-to-eat foods can be found on the market, some gaps still remain in this regard. For example, the flour purchased in the store cannot be immediately used for cooking (baking, sauces). This product must pass a kind of preparatory process before becoming an ingredient of any dish - flour must be sifted.
First of all, it is necessary to sow flour in order to get rid of various kinds of impurities of a mechanical nature, which may be contained in this product. This process is relevant regardless of what particular dish you plan to cook. In addition, it is believed that flour must be sifted before adding it to the dough. Through this procedure, you will significantly improve the quality of the final product - your baking will be softer and lush.
Thus, despite the fact that, by its nature, the sieve is a rather primitive adaptation, its role is irreplaceable in regards to cooking. This device is actively used by both amateur housewives and professional chefs, employees of elite restaurants and other places of public catering.
Kinds
Today there is a huge variety of sieve variations on the market. This kitchen fixture has noticeably evolved in its appearance, as well as in terms of the comfort of its use.
Sieve cup
So, one of the most simple, but at the same time popular and common mechanisms, is considered a mechanical kitchen hand sieve with a handle, which is made in the shape of a mug. Such a device can be found in almost any store with kitchen utensils, but it is very inexpensive. Although the circle-screen mechanism is fairly simple, it is also quite efficient at the same time and copes well with its functions.
Often this manual sieve is metallic. The bottom of the mug is missing - instead of the traditional bottom there is the very sieve. For convenience and comfort during operation, the cup is endowed with a special handle, which, in turn, consists of two parts and has a built-in spring. In order to carry out the process of sifting, you need to fill the flour in a mug, and then press the handle. By this pressing the sieve is automatically activated: flour passes through small holes and pours already sifted into a container you have prepared in advance. On the other hand, on the inner surface of the sieve there are all undrawned elements and particles.
Such a sieve has a number of advantages, thanks to which it became popular among housewives. For example, it is quite easy to use because of its small size. In addition, the compactness of the device ensures cleanliness and order in the workplace. The design of the sieve is quite attractive and modern. The disadvantage of the sieve mug is that it is not suitable for industrial use. It is convenient to use it only if you need to sift a sufficiently small amount of flour.
The sieve cup is a device for home use.
Traditional round
A more traditional option is a large, round-shaped wooden sieve. Such a device was used not only by our mothers and grandmothers, but also by our more distant ancestors. However, despite this, a similar option for sifting flour remains quite popular, and it can be found in many kitchens.
According to its structure, a wooden sieve is nothing more than a wooden hoop, on the one hand of which a grid with cells is fixed. In order to perform the screening procedure, the sieve must be moved from side to side, performing peculiar shaking movements. It is believed that a wooden sieve is the most environmentally friendly version of this device, which will serve you for many years and will not harm the product being screened.
The main disadvantage of such a sieve is that due to the large size and diameter it is impossible to ensure cleanliness in the workplace. Flour can scatter in all directions.
A less eco-friendly, but more modern analogue of wood is a plastic sieve.
Metal with a handle
Another common sieve model is a metal sieve with a handle. Externally, this device may resemble a bucket. However, the bottom is not solid, but consists of a grid with cells, which performs the function of sifting. The design of this sieve is not similar to those described above. The main difference is the surface of the sieve, which is not straight, but has a recess. Such a deepening increases efficiency and speeds up the screening process.
Thus, today on the market you can find a kitchen device for sifting flour in accordance with any wishes and needs.For example, a sieve mug is suitable for housewives who are keen on baking, and a wooden sieve will be an excellent option for sifting flour in larger volumes.
How to choose?
Generally speaking, the choice of sieve is a purely personal affair of every chef. When you purchase this device, you must consider a few simple principles.
- Cell size may be important. As a general rule, it is believed that the smaller this indicator, the more pure and high-quality flour will be at the output.
- The design is another important feature. Despite the fact that one of the most popular models is a circle sieve, the device of this device is not convenient for everyone. In this regard, you need to approach the choice individually.
- Price also plays a role. In general, the cost of such devices is quite low. However, the traditional sieve options are the cheapest - wood and plastic.
- When choosing a device, consider the scales and volumes in which you will have to sift flour.
- Try to choose options that are suitable not only for sifting flour, but also for processing other products (for example, cocoa).
Thus, taking into account all the advice, you will not make a mistake with the choice.
Usage tips
The rules for operating the device are quite simple. however, do not forget about the careful maintenance of this kitchen equipment.
- After each use, it must be washed or cleaned - this is especially true if you are processing not only flour, but also other ingredients in this device. In this sense, it is most careful to handle a wooden sieve, since such material does not like excess moisture and is able to absorb odors.
- If you use detergents or chemical solutions during the washing process, rinse the device thoroughly so that there are no microparticles on the surface and inside the grid cells. Otherwise, during subsequent use of the device, the screened product may begin to interact with chemical detergent residues.
- It is recommended to store the sieve in a dry and clean place - this will prolong the life of this device.
- If you are using large-diameter models (wood, plastic or metal), then try to work as carefully as possible. If you ignore this rule, then on all surfaces of your kitchen may be flour, and you will have to carry out additional cleaning.
From the above, we can conclude that A sieve is a device that came to us from ancient times. Despite the fact that over time, the design and appearance has undergone repeated changes, the functional features of the subject of kitchen utensils remain the same.
Therefore, if there is a sieve in your family that your grandmother or even great-grandmother used, do not rush to get rid of this device - it may well replace newer and more modern versions.
In the next video you will find a review of the mug for sifting flour.