Fehérítenek

Fehérítenek is a Hungarian term that translates to "they whiten" or "to whiten" when referring to multiple subjects or an ongoing process. In a culinary context, it is often used to describe the process of blanching or parboiling vegetables. This involves briefly immersing vegetables in boiling water and then immediately plunging them into ice water. This technique is employed for several reasons, including preserving the vibrant color of vegetables, reducing their raw flavor, softening them slightly for easier preparation, and sometimes to kill surface bacteria or enzymes that can affect texture and shelf life. For instance, green beans or broccoli might be "fehérítve" before being frozen or used in a salad. Beyond food, the term can be used more broadly to describe the act of making something white, such as whitening laundry. However, its most common and specific application is within cooking.