keitetä

keitetä is a Finnish verb that translates to "to boil" in English. It refers to the process of heating a liquid, typically water, to its boiling point, where bubbles are actively forming and rising to the surface. This is a fundamental cooking technique used for a variety of purposes.

In culinary contexts, keitetä is commonly used to prepare staple foods such as potatoes, pasta, rice, and eggs. Boiling involves submerging the food in boiling water, which transfers heat efficiently and cooks the food thoroughly. The duration of boiling depends on the type and size of the food being prepared. It is also used to make broths and stocks by simmering ingredients in water for extended periods.

Beyond cooking, keitetä can also describe the process of sterilizing objects by boiling them in water. This method is often employed to kill bacteria and other microorganisms, making it useful for preparing baby bottles or medical equipment. The verb can also be used metaphorically, though less commonly, to describe a state of intense emotion or activity, suggesting a bubbling or overwhelming feeling. The past participle of keitetä is keitetty, meaning "boiled."