Sat, 02 May 2026 22:06:35 +0000

The Secret Ingredient Hidden In Every Perfect Bagel When you take a bite of a perfectly baked bagel, there’s more than just satisfying chewiness and rich crust. The secret ingredient behind that unforgettable flavor and texture lies in one simple yet powerful component: lye. While many assume bagels are defined solely by their dense texture and golden crust, the real magic begins during the final crimping and boiling step — where a brief dip in a lye solution transforms the bread from ordinary to extraordinary. ### What Is Lye and Why Is It Used?
Lye, scientifically known as sodium hydroxide, is a highly alkaline substance traditionally derived from wood ashes or modern chemical processes. In artisanal bagel making, a lye wash — a solution of water and lye — is brushed onto the surface of the baked bagels before the final oven rise.