Some cooking techniques and cooking terms explained

Marination

Marination, (to marinate) also known as marinating, is the process of soaking foods in a seasoned, often acidic, liquid before cooking. The origins of the word allude to the use of brine (aqua marina) in the pickling process, which led to the technique of adding flavor by immersion in liquid. The liquid in question, the 'marinade' can be acidic with ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine, or savory with soy sauce, brine or other prepared sauces. Along with these liquids, a marinade often contains oils, herbs, and spices to further flavor the food items.

It is commonly used to flavor foods and to tenderize tougher cuts of meat or harder vegetables such as beetroot, eggplant (aubergine), and courgette (zucchini). The process may last seconds or days. Different marinades are used in different cuisines. For example, in Indian cuisine the marinade is usually prepared with yoghurt and spices.

Vacu Vin 2977450 2-1/2-Quart Instant Marinating Container

Amazon.com Product Description
A nice addition to any busy kitchen, this handy marinating container makes it possible to marinade food in a matter of minutes--instead of hours. Marinating helps retain natural juices, enhances flavors, and helps deliver better results when grilling, baking, or pan searing. To use, simply place food inside, in either a single layer or stacked, pour a marinade over the food, close the lid, and pump out the air to create a vacuum. Pumping out the air causes the pores of meat to open and the juices to get pulled in, which not only creates an even marinade, but also tenderizes the food. The unit offers a 2-1/2-quart capacity, and it works great for everything from meat or fish to tofu and vegetables. It can also be used as a food-storage container. Made of durable polycarbonate, the marinating tool measures approximately 10 by 10 by 4 inches and cleans up easily by hand or in the dishwasher (top rack only).

Product Description
Add flavor faster! Instant marinater lets you marinate and season deep into your food in just 5 minutes, not hours. Great for meal preparation in a busy home or for the adventurous chef on the go. Simple to use. Place food in the marinater you can stack food if you wish. Then create your own marinade and pour it over the food, along with any seasoning. Secure lid to the top and pump out the air to create a vacuum. Pumping action opens the pores of the meat, fish or other food, allowing the marinade to penetrate the food and flavor it in minutes! Top rack dishwasher-safe. 2 1/2 quart capacity.Marinates in minutes, not hoursPumping action creates a vacuum that opens the pores of the food, allowing the marinade to be absorbed in mere minutes. Enhances flavor, retains natural juicesMarinating adds flavor and protects fish, meat, poultry and vegetables from the heat of grilling, baking or pan searing. Preserves freshness, tooGreat for storing foods, too! The vacuum keeps meat fresh and vegetables crisp. The dish and lid are both made of Polycarbonate.