Küpsetuste

Küpsetuste refers to baking, covering both the process of cooking foods by dry heat in an oven and the baked products themselves produced by this method. The practice typically starts with preparing a dough or batter, followed by shaping, possible leavening, and then baking at a controlled temperature until the product develops the desired color, texture, and aroma. Oven types range from domestic electric ovens to professional models, including convection and deck ovens, and sometimes traditional stone ovens in artisanal settings.

Common ingredients in küpsetuste are flour, water or milk, yeast or other leavening agents, fats, sugar, eggs, salt, and various flavorings. The baking process often involves mixing, kneading, resting or proofing, shaping, and baking. The Maillard reaction and caramelization contribute to browning and flavor development during baking.

Küpsetuste encompass a wide range of products, including bread and rolls, pastries, cakes, cookies, and pies. They form a central part of everyday cooking as well as festive cuisine, with traditions and techniques varying by region and household. In Estonia, baking is both a domestic practice and a professional craft, supported by a network of home kitchens, bakeries, and culinary schools.

Storage and safety considerations include cooling baked goods before storage, keeping them in airtight containers to preserve freshness, and handling hot trays with care. Nutritional aspects depend on ingredients and recipes, with modern trends emphasizing whole grains, reduced sugars, and artisanal methods.