During stock simmering, what is the purpose of a bouquet garni, and what are its typical contents?

• A. To add salt to the stock.
• B. To clarify the stock by filtering.
• C. To thicken the stock.
• D. To infuse aromatic herbs into the stock; typical contents parsley stems, thyme, bay leaf, and peppercorns.

Answer: (D)

Infusing aroma into stock is the main idea. A bouquet garni is a small bundle of herbs added to simmering stock so their essential oils and flavors diffuse into the liquid. It’s designed to be easily removed once the stock develops flavor, preventing over-extraction or unwanted bits.

Typical contents: parsley stems for fresh aroma, thyme for earthiness, a bay leaf for warm aroma, and whole peppercorns for subtle heat. Salt, clarifying, or thickening aren’t the purposes of this bundle.