Märkäkypsennys

Märkäkypsennys, meaning "moist heat cooking" in Finnish, is a culinary term referring to cooking methods that utilize moisture to cook food. This broad category encompasses several techniques, all sharing the common characteristic of using water or steam as the primary medium for heat transfer.

The most common methods within märkäkypsennys include boiling, simmering, poaching, steaming, and braising. Boiling involves cooking food in vigorously bubbling water, while simmering is a gentler process with less turbulent water. Poaching cooks food in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. Steaming cooks food using the vapor from boiling water, often in a steamer basket or apparatus. Braising combines searing with a slow, moist cooking process in a covered pot with liquid.

Märkäkypsennys methods are often favored for their ability to produce tender and moist results, particularly with tougher cuts of meat or certain vegetables. They can also be beneficial for preserving nutrients, as some water-soluble vitamins are retained when cooking in liquid compared to dry heat methods. The gentle nature of these techniques can also help to meld flavors, especially in dishes like stews and soups.