Parchment Paper

Baking parchment paper is a non-sticking, cellulose based white paper used for baking. The way the paper is made gives it the look of traditional parchment, hence the name. During medieval times similar types of paper were used for writing.

How the Paper is Used in Baking

One of its biggest benefits is that it does away with the greasing of sheet pans. This allows for a faster turn around of baked foods. This paper can be utilized in virtually any task that requires a wax paper nonstick surface. Note: the opposite does not hold true; using wax paper in an oven will generate smoke.

How the Paper is Created

The process involves processing paper pulp in a sulfuric acid bath. In other cases, zinc chloride is employed. Using this process, the paper is partly gelatinized. This is reversed by chemical washing and followed by drying.

The end result is a stable, high density paper. It is also heat resistant. The low surface tension provides it with excellent release and nonstick qualities.

In most cases, plasticizing agents are applied on the parchment paper to prevent it from wrinkling too quickly. The plasticizer can be glycerine, glucose or silicone.

Benefits and Advantages

The double sided non-sticking surface does not get affected by grease and moisture. Food can also be placed in the paper. The paper is also utilized for cooking en papillote.

Here the food is cooked within closed pouches of the material. In the en papillote method, the food prepared is often chicken. However, vegetables and fruits can also be made.

Due to its semi-transparent nature, steaming is possible. This paper however, cannot be used on the barbecue or at broiling temp. It cannot be used with a toaster oven either.

This material is also used to keep cookies and cakes from getting stuck in a pan. This eliminates the need to flour the cake pan. Using this liner also keeps chocolates and other sticky substances from staining cookware.

Cake Decoration Tool

The paper may be folded into a cone shape. This can be filled with frosting and icing and used to decorate cakes and other desserts. You just need to cut the tip so the frosting can come out.

Stencil shapes may also be sliced from the paper. This is then placed on the cake. When you spray some icing sugar, the design will appear after the paper is removed.

You can also put pieces of the paper on the plate where the icing is being added. You can then take off the paper to show how clean it is.

Differences with Wax

As stated earlier, wax paper cannot be used in the oven without producing smoke. Parchment does not have wax coating. Like wax, the paper is sold in cardboard packages. However, you can also get them in folded sheet packages.

The many uses of parchment paper have made it a mainstay in the kitchen. From decorating cakes to making baking easy, this little paper has made life easier for a lot of bakers around the world.