sihti

Sihti is a device consisting of a frame that supports a mesh or perforated plate used to separate particles by size or to strain liquids. The mesh or screen determines which particles can pass through and which are retained, making sihti essential for sorting, filtering, and removing lumps.

Common forms include kitchen sieves, colanders and strainers. Kitchen sieves typically have a fine metal or plastic mesh and are used for tasks such as sifting flour, straining sauces, or rinsing berries. Sieves come in a range of mesh sizes, often described by the number of openings per inch or by the equivalent opening in millimeters. Materials vary and include stainless steel, aluminum, and various plastics, with considerations for durability, heat resistance, and chemical compatibility.

Uses of sihti span cooking, baking, science and industry. In cooking, sieving aerates flour, removes lumps, and helps achieve smooth textures in sauces and custards. In baking, it ensures dry ingredients are evenly distributed. In laboratories and industry, sieve analysis sorts materials by particle size, supporting quality control in fields such as mining, construction, cement production, and soil testing. Sieves may also be used in agriculture to clean seed by removing chaff and debris.

Operation and maintenance are simple but important. To use a sieve, material is placed on the mesh and is agitated or tapped to encourage passage of smaller particles while larger ones are retained. After use, sieves should be cleaned to remove residues, dried to prevent rust, and inspected for damaged mesh. The word sihti is Finnish and is related to the Swedish word sikt, both referring to a sieve or screening device.