Squeezer: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term originates from the verb 'squeeze,' which comes from the Middle English 'squese', meaning to press or compress.
• It has cognates in other languages such as 'esquinzar' in Spanish, which also means to squeeze.
• The first recorded use of 'squeezer' dates back to the early 19th century, referring to various devices that extract liquid.

Culinary Uses

• Squeezers are commonly used in kitchens for making fresh juice, especially citrus juices to enhance flavors in dishes.
• There are electric versions of squeezers that make it easy to extract juice without much effort, great for busy cooks.
• In some cultures, especially Mediterranean, fresh-squeezed juice is a staple at meals, highlighting the importance of this tool.

Cultural References

• In movies and cartoons, a squeezer often symbolizes hard work when characters try to get the last drop of juice from a fruit.
• The famous phrase 'Give it a squeeze!' is often used in cooking shows to emphasize extracting maximum flavor.
• Different types of squeezers, such as the hand-held and the juicer, often appear as essential kitchen tools in cookbooks.

Science

• From a scientific perspective, the squeezing action helps release concentrated flavors found in the fruit's juice sacs.
• Juicing as a method of extraction has been studied in food science to understand how the process affects nutritional value.
• Pressure applied during squeezing can lead to the breakdown of cell walls, enhancing the release of vitamins and antioxidants.

Pop Culture

• The squeezer has appeared in various animated series where characters humorously struggle to get juice to fight adversity.
• Many cooking competitions feature challenges centered around juice extraction, often using squeezers to test contestants' skills.
• Squeezers are featured in merchandise, such as themed kitchen gadgets from popular TV cooking shows, highlighting their charm.