Garnishing

It is the way of decorating the food or beverage so that it is aesthetically appealing for the guests/customers. It works on the plate. Garnishing also harmonizes color, flavor, and taste of the main dish.

Chopped herbs or small twigs of herbs, leafy vegetables, twirls of carrots or tomatoes, swirls of fresh cream, fruit glaze, chopped nuts, seedless berries, and lemon zest or slices are used for garnishing.

Desserts are garnished with dried fruits, fresh fruit zests, glazes, roasted or candied nuts, frostings, chocolate curls, chocolate coated buts, or small pieces of sugar arts.

Drinks like cocktails and mocktails are garnished using fruit pieces and zests, mint leaves, and castor sugar. Milk based drinks are garnished mostly with fruit pieces, cherries, chocolates, or nuts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Food Garnishing

The following are some important Dos and Don’ts to be understood in food garnishing −

• Place it where it seems just perfect.
• Contrast color schemes work best for garnishing.
• Do not overdo garnishing; this overshadows the main food.
• Do not reuse the garnish.
• Avoid being too elaborate.