Why Are Biscuits Usually Round? Exploring the Square Debate
Biscuits come in various shapes, with the most common being round. However, some bakers and brands still produce square biscuits, raising the question: why are biscuits usually round? This article will delve into the reasons behind this tradition and explore the benefits and drawbacks of square biscuits.
Tradition in Southern American Cuisine
Round Biscuits: A Cultural Staple
Round biscuits have been a fundamental part of Southern American cuisine for generations, evolving into a cultural standard. The traditional round shape comes from a rich history and continues to influence modern baking traditions.
Technical Advantages of Round Biscuits
Cutting Technique for Uniformity
The use of round biscuit cutters ensures that each biscuit is cut uniformly, making it easier to obtain consistent shapes. This uniformity contributes to even cooking and rising, as the round shape provides a consistent surface area for the dough to spread evenly.
Rising and Texture for Flakiness
The round shape also facilitates the rise of the biscuits in the oven. The edges of round biscuits can create a slight crust that helps maintain a fluffy interior, which is a key characteristic of a well-baked biscuit.
Ease of Cooking for Even Baking
Round biscuits are arranged closely together on a baking sheet, promoting even baking and a soft texture on the sides that touch. This arrangement allows for efficient use of space and ensures a consistent texture throughout the batch.
Square Biscuits: A Modern Twist
While round biscuits are more traditional, square biscuits offer a different texture and presentation that some bakers and consumers find appealing. Square biscuits can be made by cutting the dough into squares before baking, but they often face challenges in achieving uniformity and consistency.
Textural Differences Between Round and Square
Round Biscuits: Provide more even and consistent texture. They are ideal for those who prefer a uniform rise and a slight crust on the edges.
Square Biscuits: Have fewer scraps, making them a more efficient use of ingredients. However, the corners of square biscuits can over-bake, leading to uneven consistencies.
Baking Tricks for Square Biscuits
To get the best out of square biscuits, several baking techniques can be employed:
Squeezing Corners for a Rounder Shape
Squeeze the corners slightly with your fingers to round out the points. This technique helps to maintain a more consistent shape and can enhance the overall texture of the biscuits.
Baking at Lower Temperature
Experiment with baking at a slightly lower temperature, such as 375 F, to ensure that the biscuits bake evenly. This adjustment can help prevent the corners from over-baking and provide a more uniform texture.
Nearly Touching Arrangement for Even Spreading
Arrange the biscuits 1/4 inch apart on the baking sheet. This close spacing allows the biscuits to snug up to each other during baking, which can enhance the even spread of the dough and result in a more cohesive final product.
Don't Worry About Corners
The imperfections are an integral part of baking. Accept that life isn't perfect, and embrace the natural variations that arise during the baking process.
Conclusion
The tradition of round biscuits is deeply rooted in Southern American cuisine, but square biscuits offer a different and innovative approach to baking. By understanding the technical and cultural aspects of biscuit shape, bakers can experiment with different techniques to achieve the perfect texture and consistency.