What is a bouquet garni and what does it typically include?

• A. A bundle of herbs (e.g., thyme, bay leaf, parsley stems) tied in cheesecloth or tied together.
• B. A bundle of garlic and onions tied with string.
• C. A bundle of herbs tied in cheesecloth but does not contain thyme or bay leaf.
• D. A fresh herb leaf used as garnish.

Answer: (C)

A bouquet garni is a bundle of aromatics used to infuse flavor into stocks, sauces, and braises while being easy to remove later. It’s typically a few herb stems tied together and placed in the liquid, often wrapped in cheesecloth or tied with kitchen twine so you can lift and discard the bundle after cooking. The most common combination includes thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and parsley stems; the idea is to pick up these savory notes without leaving behind loose herb pieces in the finished dish. Garlic and onions aren’t the standard components of a bouquet garni, and a single fresh herb leaf used as garnish isn’t a bouquet garni at all.