Mashing: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฅ”
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mashing

 

[หˆmรฆสƒษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

cooking

The action of crushing or smashing something to a pulp or a powder.

Synonyms

crush, grind, pulverize, squash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crush

Can be used in both literal and figurative senses. Literally to break something into pieces by pressing it hard. Figuratively to describe overcoming or defeating someone or something.

  • Crush the cans before recycling.
  • He was crushed by the news of his friend's accident.
pulverize

A more intense form of grinding or crushing, often used to describe turning something into a fine powder. It can also have a metaphorical use to imply complete destruction.

  • Pulverize the chalk into powder.
  • The team was pulverized in the finals.
grind

Often used to describe the process of breaking something into very small pieces or a powder, usually in the context of spices, coffee, or grains.

  • Grind the coffee beans for a fresher flavor.
  • You need to grind the spices finely.
squash

Typically used to describe flattening something with force. Can also be used figuratively to describe suppressing something or someone forcefully.

  • Squash the bug quickly.
  • The proposal was quickly squashed by the committee.

Examples of usage

  • He was mashing the potatoes for dinner.
  • She was mashing the garlic with a mortar and pestle.
  • The recipe called for mashing the avocado for the guacamole.
  • The chef was mashing the ingredients together to make a smooth puree.
  • I enjoy mashing the bananas for my morning smoothie.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

  • Mashing is commonly used in making mashed potatoes, which are fluffy and often served as a side dish.
  • Different tools, such as a fork or a potato masher, can be used for mashing, impacting the final texture.
  • Innovative chefs might use flavored oils or spices in their mashing process to add variety and taste.

Cultural Practices

  • In various cultures, different foods are mashed โ€“ for example, in Peru, they enjoy 'causa', which is mashed potatoes mixed with lime and spices.
  • African and Caribbean cuisines include dishes such as 'fufu', which involves mashing starchy vegetables to create a dough-like mixture served with soups.
  • Mashing is associated with celebratory dishes like mashed avocados for guacamole, making gatherings tastier.

Science of Cooking

  • Mashing breaks down the cell walls in food, releasing starches and making the dish creamier.
  • The physical act of mashing can affect the flavor release, making the dish taste different based on how much it is mashed.
  • Cooking food before mashing it can enhance its sweetness and create a smoother texture.

History

  • Historical records show that mashing dates back centuries, with ancient recipes for mashed grains appearing in many cultures.
  • Mashing methods and tools have evolved, from simple wooden pestles in ancient times to modern electric mixers.
  • Cookbooks from the 19th century often contained elaborate recipes for mashed vegetables, showcasing its longstanding popularity.

Nutrition

  • Mashed foods can be easier to digest for people who have difficulty chewing, especially in caregiving settings.
  • Mashing can introduce more fiber into diets, especially when including the skins of potatoes and other vegetables.
  • Itโ€™s a fun way to include children in cooking, encouraging them to smash their favorite vegetables for a nutritious meal.

Translations

Translations of the word "mashing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น amassamento

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ€เคธเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zerdrรผcken

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menghancurkan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะพะทะผะธะฝะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gniecenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใคใถใ™ใ“ใจ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉcrasement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ machacado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ezme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์œผ๊นจ๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‡ุฑุณ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ maฤkรกnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ miesenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฃ็ขŽ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ meฤkanje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mylja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตะทัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒญแƒ”แƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ษ™zilmษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ machacado

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,548 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.