Directions
Refreshing usually refers to the process of plunging food into ice water after having been blanched. It can also refer to simply allowing fruits or vegetables to sit in ice water for a short period in order to bring back their crispness.
If refreshing just blanched foods:
- Once the food is cooked to your liking, remove it from the water and immediately place it in the ice water, this arrests the cooking process and locks in the colour and flavour.
- Once the food is cool throughout it can be drained and set aside to be reheated later or eaten as is.
If refreshing limp or tired vegetables, lettuce or herbs:
- Place the tired food in very cold ice water and allow it to sit for a few minutes to bring some life back into the food.
- Ice may be present in the water but be careful not to bruise lighter foods such as lettuce or herbs.
- Remove the food and place in a strainer.
- Use as required.
