Breaded product processing: what are the types of breading?

Coating is a widely utilized method in the food industry that goes far beyond just adding a crunchy exterior to dishes. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing the preservation, quality, and consumer acceptance of food products, ensuring they remain appealing in both taste and texture. BRF Ingredients, a leading provider of food ingredients, excels in the production of high-quality coating flours tailored to meet the diverse demands of the industry and consumers alike. In the following sections, we’ll explore the main types of coatings, the benefits of each, and how BRF Ingredients establishes itself as a benchmark in producing these crucial components.

Topics:

  • ● What exactly is a coating system?
  • ● What are the stages involved in a coating system?
  • â—‹ Pre-dusting (pre-coating)
  • â—‹ Batter (binding flour)
  • â—‹ Coating (final layer)
  • ● How do these steps impact the crispiness and texture of food?
  • ● What advantages does this process offer for the quality and preservation of BRF products?
  • ● Production of Coating Flours by BRF Ingredients

What is a Coating System?

A coating process involves a series of steps where food items are given an outer layer, typically made from flour or breadcrumbs, to improve their texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Additionally, the coating serves as a protective barrier during cooking, helping retain internal moisture while creating a deliciously crispy and flavorful crust.

This method is extensively applied to proteins such as chicken, pork, fish, as well as vegetables and frozen goods.

What are the Stages of a Coating System?

Coating can be broken down into three primary stages, each serving a distinct purpose to achieve the ideal finish for the food item. Here’s a closer look at each stage:

Pre-dusting (Pre-coating)

Pre-dusting marks the initial phase of the coating process, primarily aimed at preparing the food’s surface to accept subsequent layers. During this step, the food is covered with a dry mixture, such as flour or starch. Pre-dusting helps slightly dry out the surface, improving the adherence of the batter (binding flour) and the final coating (flour or crumbs).

Not only does pre-dusting enhance adhesion, but it also aids in retaining the food’s moisture during cooking, ensuring a juicy interior and a crisp exterior.

Batter (Binding Flour)

The second stage of coating is the batter, a binding flour that covers the food post pre-dusting. This flour consists of dry ingredients like flour and, in certain cases, eggs or leavening agents mixed with water. The purpose of the batter is to create a moist foundation that allows the final coating layer to stick effectively to the food.

Coating (Final Layer)

The final stage of the coating process involves applying the coating, which is essentially the last layer over the food already covered with the binding flour. This layer consists of a dry material such as breadcrumbs or flakes. The coating is what imparts the characteristic crispness and visually appealing appearance to the food.

There are various granule sizes and types of coatings, each designed to achieve a specific result. Finer flours yield a lighter crust, whereas coarser crumbs or flakes result in a thicker, crunchier exterior.

How Do These Processes Influence the Crispness and Texture of Foods?

Each step of the coating process significantly contributes to the texture and crispiness of the final product. Pre-dusting helps maintain moisture and creates a consistent base for the batter and coating to adhere to. The batter, in turn, forms a protective layer that minimizes excessive oil absorption and enables a more uniform and crisp coating. The coating itself determines the level of crispness and the final appearance of the breaded food.

Together, these stages enable breaded items to have the perfect texture, balancing a crispy crust with a soft, juicy interior.

What Are the Benefits of This Process for the Quality and Preservation of BRF Products?

Aside from ensuring an appealing texture, the coating process plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and longevity of food products. By creating an outer layer that encapsulates the product, the coating helps prevent moisture loss, preserving the juiciness and freshness of the food. Additional benefits include:

Extended Shelf Life:

The breaded coating shields the food from oxidation and dehydration, improving its durability in both fresh and frozen states.

Enhanced Sensory Appeal:

The crispness and uniform coloring provided by the coating make the product more visually enticing, while also delivering a superior sensory experience for the consumer.

Production of Coating Flours by BRF Ingredients

BRF Ingredients offers a range of coating solutions in its product lineup that deliver exceptional results in terms of crispiness, texture, and food preservation. Utilizing extrusion technology, BRF Ingredients provides flours with varying granule sizes and colors, perfectly suited for different types of breaded products.

Among the options available are:

● Cracker Coating Flour: Produced via the extrusion process, this ingredient features dense, flat granules that impart a robust and firm crunch to foods. It works well for both frying and baking applications.

● Expanded Coating Flour: Also created using the extrusion process, this ingredient boasts round, porous granules that provide a softer, crisper texture to foods. It is versatile for frying and baking alike.

These coating solutions are crafted from high-quality raw materials and can be customized to cater to the varied requirements of the food industry, consistently ensuring top-tier outcomes in texture and crispiness.

Conclusion

Coating is a multifaceted and indispensable process that guarantees the excellence of products such as breaded chicken, nuggets, and numerous other industrially produced foods. Each stage, from pre-dusting to coating, plays a critical role in shaping the texture, flavor, and appearance of the products while also aiding in their preservation.

BRF Ingredients, leveraging extrusion technology, manufactures coating flours renowned for their unmatched crunch and textures, fulfilling the industry’s pursuit of quality and food safety.

Would you like to learn more about BRF Ingredients’ offerings for the food sector? Visit our website to explore the complete product portfolio! Follow us on social media for more insightful content on this subject. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

References:

Types of Coatings | Available at: https://www.mci.com.br/en-us/understand-more/food-processing-coating-types-101908

Processes | Available at: https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/3514639/mod_resource/content/1/Coatings%202017.pdf

Coating Flours | Available at: /en-us/blog/posts/coating-flours-and-their-functions-in-the-food-industry/

Process Details | Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-the-coating-process-works-mcibrasil/

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