While no one seems to know exactly where the colander originated, man has known the concept of the sieve since ancient times. The need to drain liquids is an important part of food preparation. The tool is described by Mr. Webster as a “ perforated pan, usually bowl-shaped, used for draining liquids.” Who were the first to rinse and drain? Only the pasta gods know for sure, but one thing is certain; no modern kitchen should ever be without one or two or even three of them!
There is nothing that strains and rinses like a colander, and it’s probably a good idea to keep one for rinsing raw poultry and vegetables and another for pasta. Keep them separate. After all, no need to hurt anyone’s feelings and besides, does Macys tell Bloomingdales? Get the kind with the long horizontal handles, as they are the easiest to manipulate. Keep them handy while preparing things that will need immediate draining after cooking, like pasta for example. You don’t want to first have to go searching for it when the pasta is hot and ready to boogie, so to speak.
A colander can also be used for more inventive things. With Halloween fast approaching, consider using it as part of a costume, such as the one that won a prize at a party I went to back when Abraham Lincoln was president. The young man wore a colander on his head from which protruded strange painted sticks tipped with sponges. That coupled with a sheet and flippers made him win as “alien man”.
But whatever you use your colander for, respect it. It’s there to serve you. We should learn to ask not what our colanders can do for us but rather, what we can do for our colanders.
Salute and happy draining!
Related Articles:
“The Measuring Cup: A Formidable Past”