Food texture is a key factor of customer satisfaction and their desire to repurchase. Foods with a “crispy” texture are a favorite for many diners. But did you know there are distinctive differences between “crispy” and “crunchy”? Knowing how to identify their differences can help you increase customer satisfaction and escalate your menu items from ordinary to extra-ordinary, increasing both sales and customer satisfaction.
Identifying the Differences of Crispy and Crunchy Textures
There have been several scientific research studies pertaining to food textures. One study that stands out and best defines the differences is from The Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA Critical Evaluation of Crispy and Crunchy Textures: A Review. The in-depth information on identifying the subtle texture differences and the consumers’ perceptions between Crispy and Crunchy textures.
A brief summary of their study on textural attributes and the difference between crispy and crunchy are:
Crisp Definition: A dry rigid food which, when bitten with the incisors, fractures quickly, easily, and totally while emitting a relatively loud, high-pitched sound.
Crunch Definition: A dense-textured food which, when chewed with the molars, undergoes a series of fractures while emitting relatively loud, low-pitched sounds.
A great example of crispy is: Lettuce with a light crispy texture. Crunchy is dense, which is great for hard texture items like corn nuggets. Understanding the subtle differences between the two textures will help you determine which coatings to use with fried foods to achieve the perfect balance of crispy or crunchy textures.
Perfect In-Balance Texture with Fried Foods
Using this information as it relates to fried foods leads us to the understanding that if the texture is too crunchy it gives the perception of being over-breaded or over-cooked. This will be most noticeable with soft textured proteins; cheese, fish, seafood, chicken and vegetables such as onion rings, zucchini and peppers. When the outer coating of fried food is too hard or crunchy, it creates an out-of-balance texture with the soft interior. Your customers may not be able to describe exactly the texture they want, but when the texture is perfectly balanced it does deliver a satisfying “WOW this is great” after the first bite.
Authentic Panko Delivers a Perfect Crispy Texture
Key to achieving a perfect texture balance, while maintaining the foods integrity, is choosing the right coating for fried foods.
The Food Lab published a comparison of coatings that deliver the best “crispy” coating. In their evaluation Panko scored the highest in crispy texture! Panko is a great solution for keeping your coating texture “Crispy”, in-balance and on-point.
However, not all Panko is the same, there are significant differences between Standard Panko (hard and crunchy) and Authentic Panko (light and crispy). Knowing the differences will help maximize the flavor experience of fried foods, creating the perfect alignment of taste and texture.
Authentic Panko Creates a Better Texture
If you thought all Panko brands were the same, you aren’t alone. However, once you experience the difference, you will never accept anything less than an authentic Panko.
An Authentic Panko is easily identified by its shape and texture. Authentic Panko will have a very delicate and light texture with a flaky sliver shaped crumb. Whereas a standard panko is hard and has a round dense crumb.
The shape of the crumb is important, the flaky sliver shape provides more highlights and makes the coated item look bigger, without an overly breaded taste.
The light delicate texture of Authentic Panko is due to having more tiny air pockets in each crumb. These little air pockets not only create a light, delicate and crispy crumb, they release the oil after frying, providing a less greasy look & taste as well as allowing fried foods to stay crispy longer.
26% Better Yield with Fewer Fines
The light, airy texture of Authentic Panko will provide at least a 26% better yield than standard Panko.
Learn more about how Upper Crust Enterprises Authentic Panko is made by taking a virtual plant tour Panko the Secrets Revealed – it’s a fascinating process. WWW.UpperCrustEnt.com
Taste the Difference – Authentic Japanese Panko
We personally invite Professional Chefs, Restaurants and food distributors to try Upper Crust Enterprises Authentic Japanese Panko – FREE.
Experience firsthand the difference and better food texture appeal an Authentic Japanese Panko will have on your menu items
We guarantee our Authentic Panko will:
- Taste lighter and crispy.
- Have a delicate crispy texture that stays crispy longer.
- Provides a better yield than standard Panko.
- Deliver a better plate presentation making coating items look bigger but not taste bready.
Upper Crust Enterprises Authentic Japanese Panko breadcrumbs are available exclusively to Professional Chefs, Restaurants (large or small) and Food Distributors.
All of our Authentic Panko products are GMO Free, vegetarian/vegan, Kosher and Halal Certified.
Restaurant Life is Hard – Your Panko Shouldn’t be.
