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Puree Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฅฃ
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puree

[pjสŠหˆreษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

A smooth, creamy substance made by grinding and pressing fruits, vegetables, or legumes.

Synonyms

mash, paste, pulp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
puree

Puree refers to food that has been blended, typically vegetables or fruits, to a smooth and creamy consistency, often used in soups, sauces, and baby foods.

  • He made a delicious carrot puree to pair with the roast chicken
  • Baby food often comes in a puree form for easy consumption
paste

Paste is a thick, sticky substance often made from crushed ingredients like nuts, seeds, or beans. It is frequently used in cooking and baking, especially for its binding properties.

  • The recipe calls for tahini paste, which is made from ground sesame seeds
  • They used tomato paste as a base for the pizza sauce
mash

Mash involves crushing or beating food, especially potatoes or other vegetables, to a soft, uneven, lumpy consistency. This word is often used in casual or comfort food recipes.

  • She prepared a side of creamy mashed potatoes for dinner
  • Don't forget to mash the bananas before adding them to the batter
pulp

Pulp refers to the soft, moist, somewhat fibrous part of fruit or vegetables after crushing or blending, often used in reference to juicing or making smoothies.

  • After juicing the oranges, she strained out the pulp
  • Apple pulp can be used to make homemade applesauce

Examples of usage

  • They served a delicious pumpkin puree with the roast chicken.
  • She made a carrot and ginger puree for the baby.
  • The tomato puree added a rich flavor to the pasta sauce.
Context #2 | Verb

cooking

To crush food until it becomes a smooth, creamy substance.

Synonyms

blend, crush, mash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
puree

Used when food is blended until it is completely smooth and has a creamy consistency. Often used in cooking or making baby food.

  • She made a carrot puree for the baby's lunch
  • The chef prepared a delicious tomato puree for the pasta
blend

Used when combining ingredients together until they are mixed uniformly. Can refer to mixing liquids and solids to form a smooth texture but not necessarily creamy.

  • Blend the fruits with yogurt to make a smoothie
  • She blended the spices to create a new flavor
crush

Crushing involves breaking down ingredients into smaller pieces but not necessarily making them completely smooth. Often used for making smaller chunks out of larger items.

  • Crush the garlic cloves before adding them to the sauce
  • The recipe calls for crushed ice to make the drink
mash

Mashing involves pressing or beating food until it becomes soft and somewhat smooth but usually still has some texture. Commonly done with vegetables, especially potatoes.

  • Mash the boiled potatoes with butter and milk
  • She mashed the bananas to add to the batter

Examples of usage

  • She pureed the berries to make a sauce for the dessert.
  • The chef pureed the vegetables to create a velvety soup.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • In the kitchen, a puree can be made from almost any food, but it's most popular with fruits and vegetables.
  • Chefs often use purees as a way to create sauces, soups, and even desserts, adding flavor and texture.
  • The technique of pureeing is essential in many cultures, creating baby food or offering easier-to-eat meals for those with chewing difficulties.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Pureeing fruits and vegetables can enhance digestibility, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients.
  • People who have difficulty swallowing can benefit from food purees, which can be fortified with additional nutrients for health.
  • Adding pureed foods to meals can help increase the variety of textures and flavors in diets, promoting better nutrition.

History

  • The art of pureeing food dates back thousands of years, with evidence found in ancient civilizations for both preservation and preparation.
  • In France, 'purรฉe' gained popularity in the 18th century, especially in haute cuisine, elevating simple ingredients to gourmet dishes.
  • Traditionally, many cultures have utilized pureeing techniques to create staple dishes, such as hummus in the Middle East and polenta in Italy.

Science

  • The process of pureeing involves mechanically breaking down cell structures in food, releasing juices and flavors.
  • During pureeing, the heat generated can sometimes alter the flavor of food, enhancing sweetness or dulling bitterness.
  • Food purees often rely on the Maillard reaction when blended with heat, which gives a richer flavor profile.

Pop Culture

  • Purees showcase creative culinary inspiration in cooking shows, where chefs demonstrate their skills in creating visually appealing plates.
  • In health and wellness circles, smoothies made from pureed ingredients have become a trend, emphasizing healthy eating habits.
  • Characters in popular media often reference purees when preparing meals for infants, highlighting its cultural relevance in family settings.

Origin of 'puree'

The word 'puree' originated from the French word 'purรฉe', which means 'refined' or 'strained'. The technique of making purees has been used for centuries in cooking to create smooth and creamy textures in dishes. Purees are often used in baby food and gourmet cuisine to enhance flavors and create visually appealing dishes.

See also: impure, impurity, purely, purify, purity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,945, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.