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Blanching is a cooking technique that involves briefly scalding or parboiling food, typically vegetables, in boiling water or steam. This process is usually done for short periods, from two to five minutes, at temperatures near 100°C (212°F).12

The primary purposes of blanching include:
* Cleaning the food.2
* Reducing the number of microorganisms on the surface.23
* Inactivating enzymes that can cause deterioration and off-flavors during storage, especially before freezing, drying, or canning.23
* Wilting leafy vegetables to make them easier to pack.23
* Loosening skins for easier removal.14

After blanching, foods are typically rapidly cooled in cold water or air to maintain quality.23

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