Tenderizer: meaning, definitions and examples

Culinary Techniques

• Many chefs use physical methods, such as pounding, to break down tough fibers in meat, which makes it tender.
• Marinating meat in acidic substances like vinegar or citrus juice is another way to naturally tenderize it, as the acids break down proteins.

Etymology

• The word 'tenderizer' combines 'tender,' meaning soft or delicate, and 'izer,' a suffix indicating a device or agent that performs a function.
• The concept of tenderizing meat dates back to ancient times, where various methods were employed, but the term 'tenderizer' became popular in the 20th century.

Science of Cooking

• Enzymes in certain fruits, like pineapple and papaya, can act as natural tenderizers, as they break down the proteins in meat.
• Tenderized meat can absorb marinades more effectively, enhancing its flavor due to the increased surface area created by breaking down fibers.

Pop Culture

• In popular cooking shows, the use of tenderizers often features in recipes to demonstrate improving the texture of meats.
• Cookbooks from the mid-20th century began to emphasize tenderizing techniques as part of modern cooking practices.

Health and Nutrition

• Tenderizing meat can actually help in digestion, as it makes the proteins easier for our bodies to break down.
• Choosing to use tenderizers can lead to healthier cooking methods, as they often accompany marinations that reduce the need for heavy sauces.

At position #40,555, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 40552 wainscotting
• 40553 joggle
• 40554 cadging
• 40555 tenderizer
• 40556 grotty
• 40557 augmenter
• 40558 innocuousness
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