Red Seal Baker Practice Exam

What is the purpose of using a pastry brush?

1. To spread batter evenly

2. To apply egg wash or glaze

3. To decorate pastries

4. To sift flour

The correct answer is: To apply egg wash or glaze

The primary purpose of a pastry brush is to apply egg wash or glaze to baked goods, which serves several important functions. When an egg wash is applied, it helps create a beautiful, golden-brown finish on pastries and breads during baking. This visual appeal enhances the overall presentation of the finished product. Additionally, an egg wash can act as a binding agent for toppings, helping items like seeds or sugar adhere to the surface of pastries. While spreading batter evenly can be done using different tools such as spatulas or ladles, it is not the function of a pastry brush. Decorating pastries typically involves piping or other techniques that require different tools, and sifting flour is a preparation step done with a sifter, not a brush. Thus, using a pastry brush specifically for applying egg wash or glaze is both effective and essential in baking practices.