Gekoeld

Gekoeld is a Dutch term that functions as the past participle of het werkwoord koelen (to cool) and as an adjective meaning cooled or chilled. It describes something that has had its temperature lowered or that is kept at a low temperature. In everyday language, gekoeld often refers to food, drinks, or spaces that are stored to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

In usage, gekoeld is typically employed to indicate state or condition. Examples include gekoelde melk (chilled milk), gekoelde drankjes (cold beverages), and de gekoelde ruimte (the cooled/air-conditioned space). The word appears in both descriptive phrases (attributive use) and in predicative constructions, as in: De melk is gekoeld tot 4°C. The form reflects Dutch spelling rules for past participles, with ge- prefixed to the stem koel and the final -d completing the participle.

Gekoeld is especially common in contexts relating to voedselveiligheid, gastronomie, en logistiek, where temperature control is essential. It is closely connected to concepts such as de koelketen (cold chain) and koelopslag (cold storage). The term signals that temperature management has been applied to maintain quality, prevent bacterial growth, and extend shelf life.

See also: koel, koeling, koelkast, koelketen, koelopslag.