Garum
Techniquebeginnerdraft

Seasoning with acid

Also searched as: lemon at the end, splash of vinegar, adjusting the seasoning, brightening a dish

In short: A few drops of lemon or vinegar right at the end make a dish taste fresher and more vivid.

Picture it

Like switching on the light in a dark room.

What happens

balances fat, sweetness and heaviness. It makes other aromas easier to perceive, much like salt. Added at the end, it stays fresh.

Where you meet it
Acid (lemon, vinegar)Älplermagronen (Alpine macaroni)Raclette

How it’s done

Sequence · Step 1 of 4
1234

Taste the dish.

All steps as a list
  1. Taste the dish.
  2. Add a few drops of lemon, vinegar or wine.
  3. Stir and taste again.
  4. Only then decide whether it still needs salt.
Related entries
Food tastes flatMore flavour
Sources · 1
  • Harold McGee: On Food and Cooking (2004)