uncharred

Uncharred is an adjective meaning not charred; not burned or scorched on the surface. It describes materials or foods that have not been exposed to sufficient heat to cause carbonization or a darkened crust. The term is commonly used in contrast with charred, burnt, or carbonized and can apply to wood, metal, textiles, seeds, or culinary preparations.

In cooking, uncharred surfaces indicate that foods have avoided high direct heat. They may appear paler and retain more moisture, sometimes lacking the smoky or crusty flavors associated with charring. Culinary practice often aims to minimize charring for delicate items, or to control when and how any surface browning occurs, such as using gentler heat or alternative methods like sous-vide followed by a brief sear.

In wood and lumber, uncharred refers to timber that has not undergone carbonization of the surface, differentiating it from charred or blackened wood used for preservation, flavor, or aesthetic effects. In archaeology and anthropology, uncharred remains are those that have not been exposed to heat long enough to undergo carbonization, though they may be affected by other forms of degradation.

Etymology: formed by the prefix un- and charred (from char, to burn). The term is more common in technical or descriptive contexts and is often used where precision about heat exposure is required.

The concept is related to terms like char, charring, carbonization, and to the contrast with unburned or unburnt.