Here's a breakdown:
* Strainer: A kitchen utensil with holes or a mesh that allows liquid to pass through while capturing solids. Common examples include colanders, strainers, and cheesecloth.
* Filter: A material that traps solids from a liquid based on size or other properties. Filters can be made from paper, cloth, or other materials.
Why strain liquids?
* Remove impurities: To eliminate unwanted particles like seeds, bones, or debris from soups, sauces, or juices.
* Clarify liquids: To make a liquid clear by removing suspended solids, like in making fruit juices or coffee.
* Separate ingredients: To separate solids from liquids, like when making yogurt or straining pasta.
Examples of strained liquids:
* Strained broth: Broth that has been strained to remove solids like vegetables or meat bones.
* Fruit juice: Juice that has been strained to remove pulp and seeds.
* Coffee: Coffee that has been filtered to remove grounds.
* Soy milk: Soy milk that has been strained to remove solids after the soybeans are cooked.
In essence, a strained liquid is simply a liquid that has been purified or clarified by removing solids.
