What is a raft in consommé clarification?

• A. A raft is a semi-solid mixture of ground meat, egg whites, and vegetables that traps impurities and clarifies the stock.
• B. A raft is a layer of fat that sits on top.
• C. A raft is a type of bread used to thicken stock.
• D. A raft is a gelatin sheet used to foaming.

Answer: (A)

The raft in consommé clarification is the semi-solid mass that forms on the surface and acts as a natural filter to produce a clear broth. It’s made from finely ground lean meat, egg whites, and often some mirepoix. As the liquid heats, the egg whites coagulate and create a light mesh that traps and holds the suspended impurities, while the ground meat helps capture particles. This raft rises to the top and serves as a filtration barrier, allowing clear liquid to pass through while the solids stay bound in the raft. It’s not a layer of fat, which would merely sit on the surface; it isn’t bread or a gelatin sheet, which don’t provide the same clarifying action.