blanch

 
Pronunciation: /blɑːn(t)ʃ/

verb

[with object]
  • 1make white or pale by extracting colour: the cold light blanched her face
  • whiten (a plant) by depriving it of light: blanch endive by covering plants with large flowerpots
  • 2 [no object] flinch or grow pale from shock, fear, or a similar emotion: he visibly blanched at this reminder of mortality
  • 3prepare (vegetables) for freezing or further cooking by immersing briefly in boiling water: blanch corn in boiling water for one minute
  • (often as adjective blanched) peel (almonds) by scalding them: blanched almonds

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French blanchir, from blanc 'white', ultimately of Germanic origin