blanch
What does "blanch" mean?
To "blanch" is to briefly immerse a food item, such as a vegetable or nut, in boiling water and then quickly transfer it into ice water. The mental image is a sudden shock of heat followed by a cooling plunge, which serves to loosen skins, brighten colors, or stop the cooking process for later use. In a broader, more literary or metaphorical sense, "blanch" also means to turn pale or white, often due to a sudden shock, fear, or intense emotion. While the culinary usage is common in kitchens, the emotional usage is typically found in novels or formal descriptions of someone's reaction to bad news or a frightening sight.
"blanch" in conversation
Cooking prep
Make sure you blanch the almonds before you peel them.
Make sure you blanch the almonds before you peel them.
Got it, I'll drop them in boiling water for thirty seconds.
Got it, I'll drop them in boiling water for thirty seconds.
Focuses on the culinary technique of loosening skins.
Reacting to news
Did you see his face when he heard the news?
Did you see his face when he heard the news?
Yes, he completely blanched. I thought he was going to faint.
Yes, he completely blanched. I thought he was going to faint.
Focuses on the physiological reaction of losing color due to shock.
"blanch" in a sentence
You should blanch the broccoli to keep it bright green.
You should blanch the broccoli to keep it bright green.
The chef blanched the tomatoes to remove the skins easily.
The chef blanched the tomatoes to remove the skins easily.
Her face blanched at the unexpected sight of the intruder in the hallway.
Her face blanched at the unexpected sight of the intruder in the hallway.
