What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blancher
Example
Before freezing the vegetables, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes. [blanch: verb]
Example
The chef blanched the tomatoes to easily remove their skins. [blanched: past tense]
parboil
Example
Parboil the potatoes before roasting them in the oven. [parboil: verb]
Example
The recipe calls for parboiled carrots to be added to the stir-fry. [parboiled: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blanching is more commonly used than parboiling in everyday language, especially when referring to vegetables and fruits. Parboiling is less common but is still used in cooking contexts that involve meats, grains, and other ingredients.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between blancher and parboil?
Both blanching and parboiling are relatively formal terms used in cooking and culinary contexts. They are not commonly used in casual conversations and are more likely to be encountered in recipes or cooking instructions.