what does blanch mean?

[Balloon Fish]

what does blanch mean? i always hear people say they blanch their zucini and stuff, sorry if i dont know what it means i'm 14 and i'm not a cook so my vocab is limited =( i checked the dictionary and it says to cook it then i see on this post it says i blanch it but i dont cook it =\ so now i'm confused

 

[spiffergirl]

i think that is when you boil water and then dip the vegetable in the hot water for a brief amount of time to remove bitterness (as with spinach and cabbage) or to remove the skins of fruits and vegetables.

 

[Balloon Fish]

kk thx thats what i thought but i just wanted to make sure

 

[spiffergirl]

no problem