By Chef Gauri Varma, Founder & CEO- Confect, Entrepreneur, Food Technologist
In the vast world of dessert-making, a fusion of artistry and science has led to a revolution – a transformation brought about by the fascinating realm of food technology.
Food technology is the art of crafting products tailored for the specific environmental nuances of their intended use. Imagine purchasing a cake decorating product from Europe – meticulously designed for the climate, temperature, humidity, and usage prevalent in that region. However, transplanting that very product to the diverse atmosphere of India, and its performance might fall short, as it wasn’t manufactured with the Indian environmental factors in mind.
The initiation into this culinary odyssey began with the quest to recreate foreign confectionery gems like fondant gel, edible colours, laces, and sprinkles – staples in the European bakery industry. However, a decade ago, these ingredients were largely imported, and their efficacy in the Indian climate was compromised. The beauty of this venture lies in the fact that what was originally intended for the bakery industry has seamlessly infiltrated traditional sweet-making practices, bringing forth a delightful confluence of innovation and tradition.
Innovations in food technology have played a pivotal role in revolutionising dessert-making. The ability to shorten processing time, enhance creativity, and reduce turnaround time has been a game-changer. Ready-made decorations, edible laces, and fondants – all boasting a shelf life of 16 to 24 months – have become indispensable ingredients, readily available for culinary artisans to unleash their creativity. These small yet transformative changes empower businesses, ensuring consistent dessert outcomes even amidst changing team dynamics.
The impact of food technology extends beyond the confines of a single bakery or dessert shop. It facilitates expansion across state lines and even international borders by standardising products, ensuring a uniform look and taste every time. This standardisation, made possible through innovations in food technology, proves to be a significant boon for businesses striving for consistency and excellence.
The evolution of food technology has taken various forms, with each innovation leaving an indelible mark on the dessert-making landscape. It began with seemingly simple advancements like the creation of milk powder and instant freeze-drying technology. Today, technologies like high-temperature short-time (HTST) retort processes have emerged, ensuring that packaged foods retain their freshness and quality.
The decaffeination of coffee and tea is another testament to the transformative power of food technology. As this journey navigates the closest realms of defining food technology, the aspects of packaging and food delivery come to the forefront. These innovations are not merely about enhancing the shelf life of products but about ensuring that the essence and quality of each ingredient are preserved through cutting-edge technologies.
In conclusion, the sweet science of food technology has not only brought foreign culinary treasures to our doorstep but has also seamlessly integrated into our traditional culinary practices. The innovations continue to shape the way desserts are conceptualised, created, and enjoyed, offering a delightful blend of tradition and modernity in every decadent bite.