Most people know that 0°C is the freezing point of water and that 100°C is the boiling point. But within these state-changing temperatures there are a range of other temperatures that are referred to in recipes and in general everyday life.
When it comes to cooking, it is important to understand what these mean as the temperature of water can affect the results of a recipe.
What Temperature Is Tepid Water?
Tepid water is water that is in the range of 16°C and 38°C, which is 60°F to 100°F. If you put your hand into water at this temperature, then it would feel neither hot nor cold. It would be a comfortable temperature.
Is Tepid Water the Same as Lukewarm Water?
The origin of the word lukewarm is widely debated but it is considered to mean neither hot nor cold, and is a synonym of tepid.
Lukewarm water has less of a specific temperature range than that of tepid water, but when following a recipe lukewarm and tepid can be used interchangeably.
What Is Tepid Water Used For?
Tepid water has many uses:
- Drinking – Some people believe that drinking tepid water can have a positive effect on your health. It is claimed that tepid water can aid digestion, aid weightloss, increase your immunity and even give you clearer skin.
- Cooking – Some recipes call for tepid water rather than cold or boiling water. This is often due to how the water will react with any raising agents in the recipe.
- Watering your plants – Plants can be quite delicate. Using especially hot water can damage the leaves of the plant. Cold water can cause shock in plants. Generally, houseplants grow better and look better if they are watered using tepid water.
- First aid – Tepid water is recommended for health emergencies involving harsh chemicals. Tepid water is best for rinsing the skin or eyes and companies that have employees working with hazardous chemicals are required to have emergency tepid water showers available in case of an incident.
- Health – There is a belief that having a shower at a temperature lower than body temperature can be beneficial for circulation, as well as insomnia and menstrual problems.
Do I Need Tepid Water for Breadmaking?
Water temperature is very important when breadmaking. Most bread recipes require yeast and yeast is a living organism that thrives best in a wet and warm environment.
If the water, you add to yeast is too cold then the yeast won’t activate, and the bread will not rise or will not rise as well.
If your water temperature is too high, then the yeast organisms will be destroyed and the air bubbles that form as bread rises will not occur.
Bread dough likes to be at a consistent warm temperature so using a warmer water will help the bread remain a similar temperature to room temperature and allow for a better result.
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