Preheated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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preheated
[priหหhiหtษชd ]
Definition
cooking temperature
Preheated refers to the process of warming an oven or other cooking device to a specified temperature before adding food to it. This step is often crucial in baking, as it ensures even cooking and proper rising of baked goods. Preheating is generally done to enhance the cooking efficiency and to achieve the intended texture and flavor of the dish being prepared. Many recipes will specify this step to guarantee optimal results.
Synonyms
heated, warmed-up.
Examples of usage
- Make sure to preheat the oven to 350ยฐF before baking the cake.
- The instructions say to preheat the grill for at least ten minutes.
- I always preheat my air fryer before adding the fries.
- For best results, preheat your oven before cooking the pizza.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culinary Science
- Preheating an oven helps food cook evenly because it starts from the right temperature.
- Different foods require different preheating temperatures; for instance, baking bread often requires higher heat compared to pancakes.
- Some recipes won't turn out well, like cakes, if the oven isn't preheated properly because they need specific temperatures to rise correctly.
History of Cooking
- The practice of preheating dates back to when people began using ovens instead of open fire cooking, around the late 18th century.
- Early ovens, made from stone or brick, were inefficient, leading cooks to develop the habit of preheating to save time and improve results.
- In the past, many homes didn't have electronic temperature gauges, making preheating an essential skill for cooks to learn intuition and experience.
Health and Safety
- Preheating can help kill harmful bacteria on surfaces and inside the oven, especially when cooking meats.
- Using a preheated oven may reduce cooking time, which can lead to healthier food by preventing overcooking.
- Some health experts recommend preheating as a way to maintain the nutritional quality of certain foods.
Technology in Cooking
- Modern ovens often have a 'preheat' feature that shows when the desired temperature has been reached.
- Smart ovens can be programmed to preheat remotely, allowing for convenient meal preparations.
- Some advanced cooking devices, like air fryers, also require preheating for optimal results.
Culinary Arts
- Professional chefs emphasize the importance of preheating for baking, enhancing the rise and texture of pastries and breads.
- Food photographers often highlight preheated dishes as it's essential for achieving the perfect 'sizzle' in cooking demonstrations.
- In baking competitions, preheating is a critical step that contestants are judged on, influencing their overall performance.
Origin of 'preheated'
The term 'preheated' combines the prefix 'pre-', meaning 'before', with the past participle of the verb 'heat'. The use of 'heat' dates back to Old English 'hวฃtan', which refers to the act of making something hot. The concept of preheating is particularly associated with cooking, where it became more pronounced with the advent of modern baking and cooking techniques in the 19th century. As ovens and stoves evolved into more efficient appliances, the importance of preheating to achieve desired cooking results gained recognition. Thus, the word 'preheated' became commonplace in culinary contexts, emphasizing the necessity of temperature regulation in food preparation.