Mincer - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

kitchen tool

A mincer is a kitchen appliance used to chop food into very small pieces. It typically consists of a metal blade and a bowl in which food is placed and passed through the blade. Mince is a technique often used for meat, vegetables, and other ingredients that need to be finely chopped or ground. Mincers can either be manual or electric, providing versatility in food preparation.

Synonyms

chopper, grinder, meat grinder.

Examples of usage

I used a mincer to prepare the ground beef for the tacos.
She loves making homemade sausage with her old-fashioned meat mincer.
A mincer can be used for chopping vegetables for a stir-fry.
To make the perfect meatballs, use a mincer to grind the meat.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Significance

Using a mincer allows cooks to combine flavors better by breaking down food, enhancing the overall taste of dishes.
Mincers can help in preparing popular dishes like meatballs or sausages, where a blend of ingredients creates a unique flavor.
Many modern mincers come with attachments for different textures, allowing for versatility in meal preparation.

Cultural References

In literature, mincing often describes a finely mannered way of speaking, showing a connection between food processing and social interactions.
Culinary shows often feature mincing techniques, showcasing their importance in creating gourmet-style dishes.
Certain cultural cuisines, like Italian, frequently use minced ingredients to create sauces that are foundational to their dishes.

Modern Technology

Electric mincers have become popular kitchen appliances, making food preparation faster and easier for home cooks.
Food processors often include a mincing function, showcasing how technology has advanced traditional methods.
With the rise of veganism, mincers are being used to create plant-based alternatives that mimic the texture of meat dishes.

Health and Nutrition

Mincing meat allows for a more uniform cooking process, helping ensure that all pieces are cooked evenly, which can prevent foodborne illnesses.
Preparing meals with minced vegetables allows for better digestibility, especially for individuals with chewing difficulties.
Eating a variety of minced food can help incorporate more nutrients, as small bits are easier to mix into meals.

Origin of 'mincer'

Main points about word origin

The word 'mincer' comes from the Latin word 'minutio', meaning 'smallness'.
Historically, the term became popular in the early 19th century, paralleling advancements in cooking technology.
In French, the term for mincer, 'hachette', reflects its role in chopping food finely, showcasing culinary influence across cultures.

The word 'mincer' originates from the Middle English 'mincen', which means 'to chop'. This itself comes from the Old French 'mincier', from the word 'mince' meaning 'to cut into small pieces'. The root of the word 'mince' is related to the Latin 'minutus', which means 'small'. The evolution of the term reflected the tool's purpose – to take larger pieces of food and cut them into finer forms for cooking. Mincers have been used for centuries, especially in cooking traditions where finely ground ingredients enhance flavor and texture in dishes, particularly in recipes that involve stuffing or mixing ingredients.

Mincer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations