Picking up new kitchen knives might seem like a difficult chore with so many options available, especially if you've always used the same hand-me-down knife for everything. You might be perplexed as to why in the world you would ever need a knife "just for bread" or why you would ever need a distinct knife for each activity. The bread knife, in actuality, isn't only for bread, and we're here to explain why it can end up being one of your go-to kitchen blades.
Despite its name, the bread knife may really be used for a range of activities, making it a necessity in the kitchen. The sharp edge is the key.A bread knife's cutting edge has toothy, saw-like serrations or scallops as opposed to a chef's knife's smooth, straight edge. Instead of applying downward pressure like you would with a chef's knife, this works much like a saw, slicing through food as you move the knife back and forth.
A bread knife's serrated edge offers some clear advantages when it comes to slicing certain foods, particularly bread, because it's made to cut straight through crusty loaves without crushing the delicate interior. It works better the broader the scallops are.
Although it may seem apparent, a bread knife may be used to cut many types of bread, including baguettes, brioches, bagels, and biscuits.Additionally, it's the ideal tool for cutting delicate slices for serving as well as for shaping and leveling cakes for decorating.
Tougher foods are no match for a bread knife either. With a long bread knife, you can easily cut through melons and squash, which can catch straight-edged blades and put cooks in danger of injuring themselves. Using your bread knife when preparing other fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes or pineapple, is also a wonderful idea. In an emergency, it may even be used to cut roasts and slice meatloaf.
Try to establish the practice of washing your kitchen knives by hand right away after each use when it comes to cleaning. Choose a soft cloth or uncolored sponge instead of colored or abrasive sponges, then wash your knives in warm, soapy water.The blade may get damaged or discolored if you use abrasive or colorful sponges. Before placing your knives back in a knife block, make sure they are fully dry.
There are a few different instruments you may use while sharpening your kitchen knives. However, because bread knives have serrated edges, it might be difficult to self-sharpen them. Serrated blades are frequently single-beveled or honed on only one side, which makes sharpening considerably tougher for a beginner.
With the right handling, maintenance, and cleaning, you may extend the bread knife's sharp edge in the interim. Make sure you're using the best cutting board for your knives in order to protect both your fingers and your blades.Avoid using cutting boards made of hard materials like glass, ceramic, and stone since the type of cutting board you use can directly affect how sharp your knife is.
If you're determined to sharpen your bread knife yourself, make sure to become familiar with the details of your particular knife, as they differ depending on the manufacturer. Of course, as you get more experienced, the likelihood that you'll ruin your beloved bread knife increases, so it might be better to leave it to the pros.
