Blanched

Blanched describes a sudden whitening or paling of the skin, typically due to fear, shock, illness, or a loss of blood flow. It can also refer to the process of briefly immersing food in boiling water, usually to loosen the skin, set the color, or partially cook it before further preparation. The visual effect is often stark, indicating a significant change in appearance. This change can be physical, emotional, or both. The term suggests a loss of color, vibrancy, or vitality.

Blanched meaning with examples

• Sarah's face blanched when she heard the news of the accident. Her skin turned a ghostly white, and she swayed slightly. The shock of the information drained all color from her face. She looked as if all her blood had drained away.
• The chef blanched the almonds before adding them to the cake, removing their skins with ease and allowing them to retain their color and flavor. This prepared them for the cake, giving them a softer texture.
• Seeing the dark shadow move in the corner of the room, the little girl's cheeks blanched. She gripped her mother's hand tightly, her eyes wide with fright. The change in her skin was a clear indicator of her terror.
• To prepare the vegetables for freezing, the instructions directed her to blanch the broccoli for two minutes. This process would preserve their vibrant green color and stop the enzymatic action that causes them to degrade.