crossword clue food thickener – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "food thickener," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue food thickener" by Letter Count
4 Letters
AGAR: A gelatinous substance obtained from red algae, commonly used as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin for thickening desserts and sauces.
ROUX: A mixture of fat (often butter) and flour cooked together, forming the base of many sauces and gravies, providing both thickness and flavor.
GUAR: A gum obtained from guar beans, often used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in various food products.
5 Letters
FLOUR: Finely ground grain, most commonly wheat, used directly to thicken sauces, stews, and gravies, often by creating a slurry or a roux.
6 Letters
STARCH: A carbohydrate derived from various plants (e.g., corn, potato, or arrowroot) used to thicken liquids by forming a slurry before adding to hot mixtures.
PECTIN: A natural gelling agent found in fruits, commonly used in making jams, jellies, and fruit preserves to achieve a desired set.
7 Letters
GELATIN: A protein derived from animal collagen, widely used as a gelling agent in desserts, aspics, and some candies, solidifying as it cools.
TAPIOCA: A starch extracted from the cassava root, used as a thickener in puddings, sauces, and soups, especially popular for its clear finish.
10 Letters
CORNSTARCH: A fine white flour made from corn, primarily used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking, providing a clear and glossy finish.
XANTHANGUM: A polysaccharide used as a food additive, commonly as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in various food products and sauces.
More About "food thickener"
Food thickeners are essential ingredients in culinary arts, used to increase the viscosity of liquids without substantially altering their other properties. They play a crucial role in creating desired textures in sauces, soups, gravies, desserts, and many processed foods. From a simple roux made with flour and butter to more specialized ingredients like xanthan gum or agar, the choice of thickener often depends on the specific dish, desired texture, and dietary considerations.
Understanding different food thickeners can be a significant advantage in solving crossword puzzles. Clues might refer to their origin (e.g., "seaweed thickener" for AGAR), their primary use (e.g., "jam setter" for PECTIN), or their chemical composition (e.g., referring to a "starch"). Familiarity with these terms broadens your crossword vocabulary and helps you anticipate answers, especially when only a few letters are known.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "food thickener," consider if there's a specific type implied (e.g., "vegetarian," "dairy-based," "natural"). This can narrow down your options significantly.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letters with the possible answer lengths. This is your first and most effective filter.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved cross-clues. If you have an 'A' at the second position, it might eliminate many possibilities for 'FLOUR' but fit 'STARCH'.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Crosswords often recycle common answer words for certain themes. Building a mental dictionary of frequent answers for common themes (like kitchen terms, plant parts, etc.) can speed up your solving.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common types of food thickeners found in crosswords?
Crosswords often feature popular food thickeners like AGAR (from seaweed), ROUX (a flour and fat mixture), FLOUR, STARCH (like cornstarch), and GELATIN. Less common but still possible answers include PECTIN, ARROWROOT, or GUAR GUM.
How do I choose the best crossword answer for a food thickener clue?
To find the best answer, consider the number of letters required, any intersecting letters you already have, and the specific context or nuance of the clue. Some clues might hint at a specific type (e.g., 'vegetarian thickener' for AGAR).
Are natural food thickeners common crossword answers?
Yes, natural thickeners like AGAR (seaweed), PECTIN (fruit), and ARROWROOT (plant starch) are frequently used in crosswords, often alongside more processed options like CORNSTARCH or XANTHAN GUM.