Here are some innovative ways to use seltzer water in your cooking.
Lately, there has been quite the buzz about seltzer water. Studies have shown that it has risen to the top of America’s list of favorite beverages. Though diet soda purchases have plummeted, seltzer water brands like Perrier and San Pellegrino have more than doubled in the past five years, according to the Washington Post.
Coca-Cola and Pepsi still remain the front runners of soft drinks, but consumption fell last year, making it the 10th year in a row. So why seltzer water? Some point to its low- or no-calorie content that Americans are gravitating toward. Others, like the managing director of research for Beverage Marketing Corp. Gary Hemphill, attributes it to the fizzy content.
“Consumers still like bubbles, they want carbonation, but they want it in a healthier product,” he told the Washington Post. “Those products really fit where the consumer wants to be.”
No matter the reason, seltzer water consumption doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Here are some ways to incorporate seltzer water into your cooking:
Add fluff to your breakfast
Do you feel like your pancakes or waffles aren’t as fluffy as you’d like them to be? Seltzer water could be the quick fix you’ve been searching for. Try replacing all the liquid in your recipes with this bubbly beverage. The carbonation will fluff them right up, giving them an airy and light texture. Make sure the beverage is cold, that way the carbon dioxide won’t escape from the batter. Depending on the recipe, you can spring for plain or flavored seltzer water to add some zest. Go wild with your creations to spice up your morning meal.
A new kind of mixed drinks
Americans are trying to be more health conscious, and the increase in seltzer is proof of that. But that doesn’t mean they should miss out on flavors. Try making diet-friendly drinks mixed with seltzer to get the best of both worlds, alcoholic or nonalcoholic. That way, your drinks will still get fizziness but without the high calorie content of soda.
Greening up your vegetables
Seltzer water works as a great addition to naturally cook your produce. The bicarbonate in the water will preserve their original color and juices. Just fill a large pot with a liter of seltzer water, and bring it to a boil. Cook your vegetables in there on medium for a three to five minutes.
