What is the cooking process known as when draining excess moisture from food?

• A. Steaming
• B. Blanching
• C. Drying
• D. Boiling

Answer: (C)

The cooking process referred to when draining excess moisture from food is known as drying. Drying removes water content from food, which is essential for preservation as it inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. This process can be achieved through various methods, including air drying, sun drying, or using a dehydrator.

In contrast, steaming involves cooking food using steam and retains moisture within the food, while blanching consists of briefly boiling food and subsequently cooling it quickly to preserve color and texture, not removing moisture. Boiling is a cooking method where food is submerged in water or broth at high temperatures, also retaining moisture rather than draining it. Therefore, drying is the most accurate method for specifically focusing on the removal of excess moisture from food.