Espuma

What is Espuma?

The Spanish term for froth or foam, and one that is created specifically with the use of a whipping siphon bottle. This is a specific term, since culinary foams may be attained through other means.

Espuma from a siphon allows for the creation of foams without the use of an emulsifying agent such as egg. As a result, an unadulterated flavor of the ingredients used can be attained. It also introduces much more air into a preparation compared to other culinary aerating processes.

Espuma is created mainly with liquid that has air incorporated in it to create froth. For ingredients which are solid, these can be liquefied by cooking, pureeing, and extracting natural juices. It should be noted though, that the best flavors to work with are those which are naturally diluted. Otherwise, it tends to lose its flavor as air is introduced into it since it becomes diluted.

Stabilizers may be used alongside the liquids to help retain their shape longer, however it is not completely necessary. Prepared liquids can also be stored in a siphon and be kept for use. The pressure from the soda bottle will push out the aerated liquid, producing the espuma.

Espuma can be made from many different liquids, including water, milk, cream, eggs and even beer. The whipping process causes the liquid to turn into foam and it will retain its shape as long as it remains wet and under pressure.

There are many different types of espumas that are used for different purposes in the kitchen:

- Mousse: A light and fluffy espuma made with egg whites whipped with sugar until they form stiff peaks

- Chantilly: A light espuma made with whipped cream

- Sabayon: A thick espuma made with egg yolks whipped with sugar until they form stiff peaks

- Zabaglione: A thick and fluffy espuma made with egg yolks whipped with sugar, a dash of wine, and vanilla

- Foams: Made with air bubbles. Can be either thin or thick depending on the recipe's technique or ingredients

Like What You've Read?

If so, please join the more than 19,000 people who receive my exclusive newsletter and get a FREE COPY of my printable modernist ingredient cheatsheet.
Just click on the green button below!

Get Started!

Did you enjoy this?
I'd really appreciate you sharing it with your friends: