What is the meaning of fold in cooking?

Folding is a cooking technique used to combine two or more ingredients together without over-mixing or deflating the mixture. It is important when folding to use a light touch and to fold the ingredients together gently to maintain air pockets or layers that have already been incorporated.

This technique is often used when combining delicate ingredients such as egg whites, whipped cream, or light batters with heavier ingredients or mixtures. To fold, hold the bowl with one hand and gently insert the spatula against the side of the bowl at an angle and move it across the bottom and up the other side while turning the bowl counterclockwise with your other hand. Continue this circular motion, bringing the mixture in the center each time until the two mixtures are combined.

Examples of recipes when you need to fold are: - Sponge Cake

- Souffle or light puddings

- Macarons

- Meringue