SOFT PEAK STAGE: To know if the aquafaba has reached soft peaks, lift the balloon whisk vertically, then turn the whisk upside down. If the aquafaba clings to the whisk and starts to create a ‘peak’, but the peak falls over on itself, the aquafaba has reached the soft peak stage. MEDIUM PEAK STAGE: For firmer aquafaba, whisk for a little longer. To know if the aquafaba has reached medium peaks, lift the balloon whisk vertically, then turn the whisk upside down. If the aquafaba clings to the whisk and creates a ‘peak’, as it is pulled up vertically and turned upside down, the ‘peak’ will start to fall over onto itself, then stop halfway. STIFF PEAK STAGE: Continue to whisk, and the aquafaba will become very stiff. When tested the peak, it will hold its vertical position. This is the stiff peak consistency required for meringue. Avoid over-whisking, or it will lose this stiffness and break on the whisk.