Blenching

Blenching refers to the process of turning pale or becoming white, typically as a result of fear, shock, or surprise. It can also describe the action of preparing food, particularly vegetables, by briefly scalding them in boiling water before plunging them into cold water to stop the cooking process. In this culinary context, blenching helps to preserve color, texture, and nutritional value.

Blenching meaning with examples

• As the horror film reached its climax, she could feel her face blenching in terror, unable to look away from the screen despite her rising fear. Her heart raced, and she wondered if anyone else in the theater was feeling the same gripping anxiety. The sudden twist in the plot left everyone gasping, and she found herself subconsciously shrinking down in her seat, hoping to become invisible.
• When he heard the unexpected news about his friend's accident, a wave of disbelief washed over him, blenching his complexion and leaving him momentarily speechless. It felt as though time had stopped, the noise around him fading to a dull hum as he processed the shocking information. Friends gathered around him, their own expressions mirroring his shock, with everyone seeking to comprehend the gravity of the situation together.
• In a culinary class, the chef demonstrated the technique of blanching vegetables to enhance their vibrant colors. With a pot of boiling water at the ready, he carefully lowered the green beans in, explaining how the quick cooking method, known as blanching, would lock in the fresh flavor and bright appearance. Once cooked, he moved them to a bowl of ice water, emphasizing how this crucial step would preserve the beans' crisp texture for the salad.
• As the night went on and the clock ticked closer to midnight, a peculiar feeling crept over her, blenching her face as she realized she was alone at the party. In the dim light, she scanned the room for familiar faces but found only strangers laughing and sharing secrets. A shiver ran down her spine, and for a split second, she contemplated leaving, her instincts alerting her to the strange atmosphere.