Type of Biscuits in Bangladesh
Biscuits can broadly be categorized based on their texture and method of manufacturing into two main types manufacturing in Bangladesh: hard biscuits and soft biscuits. Here are more details on these categories and examples of each:
- Hard Biscuits
Characteristics:
- Texture: Crisp, firm, and often dry.
- Ingredients: Typically made with less fat and higher sugar content, which contributes to their crisp texture.
- Manufacturing Process: Hard biscuits are usually baked for longer periods at lower temperatures to ensure they are thoroughly dried out, which increases their shelf life.
Examples:
- Digestive Biscuits: Made with whole wheat flour, slightly sweet, and often used as a base for cheesecake.
- Marie Biscuits: Light, mildly sweet, and often served with tea.
- Arrowroot Biscuits: Mild flavor, often given to children and infants.
- Ginger Biscuits: Spiced with ginger, crisp, and slightly chewy.
- Soft Biscuits
Characteristics:
- Texture: Tender, moist, and often flaky or chewy.
- Ingredients: Higher fat content (often from butter or shortening) and sometimes more leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda to create a softer texture.
- Manufacturing Process: Soft biscuits are baked for shorter periods at higher temperatures, which keeps them moist and tender.
Examples:
- American-style Biscuits: Soft, flaky, and often served with gravy or butter, common in Southern cuisine.
- Shortbread Biscuits: Rich, buttery, and crumbly, typically made from flour, sugar, and a large amount of butter.
- Chocolate Chip Biscuits: Soft and chewy, often containing chocolate chips and sometimes nuts.
- Oat Biscuits: Chewy texture, made with oats and sometimes additional ingredients like raisins or honey.
Comparison:
Hard Biscuits:
- Texture: Crisp and firm.
- Shelf Life: Longer due to low moisture content.
- Common Uses: Often used in baking as a base (e.g., cheesecake crusts), served with tea or coffee.
Soft Biscuits:
- Texture: Moist, tender, sometimes flaky or chewy.
- Shelf Life: Shorter due to higher moisture content.
- Common Uses: Typically enjoyed fresh, can be served with meals (e.g., breakfast biscuits) or as a dessert (e.g., cookies).