National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Culinary Practice Exam

What is brushed over baked products before cooking to enhance appearance?

1. Starch wash

2. Syrup wash

3. Egg wash

4. Base wash

The correct answer is: Egg wash

The use of an egg wash on baked products is primarily for enhancing appearance and achieving a desired finish. An egg wash typically consists of beaten eggs, sometimes mixed with a little water or milk, which is brushed over items like pastries, breads, or pie crusts before baking. This technique creates a shiny, golden-brown surface once the product is finished baking, enhancing its visual appeal and giving it a professional look. In addition to improving appearance, the proteins and fats in the egg contribute to the browning process through the Maillard reaction, further enriching the color and texture of the baked product. The application of an egg wash can also serve as a bonding agent; for example, it helps toppings adhere to baked goods like strudels or sprinkle coatings. While starch washes, syrup washes, and base washes can also be used in baking for different purposes, they do not provide the same level of glossiness or golden color characteristic of a well-executed egg wash. Starch washes are typically used for enhancing volume in some breads, syrup washes can add sweetness and gloss but may not provide the desired browning effect, and base washes are more about adding moisture without significant color or sheen.