"Become tender" is spelled phonetically as /bɪˈkʌm ˈtɛndər/. The first syllable, "be", is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "bin". The second syllable, "come", is pronounced with a short "u" sound as in "cub". The word "tender" has two syllables, with the first syllable pronounced with a short "e" sound as in "let" and the second syllable pronounced with a schwa sound. This phrase means to soften or become gentle, and is commonly used in cooking to describe the texture of meat.
Become tender refers to the process in which something becomes soft, delicate, or easily crushed under slight pressure. This term is often used to describe the changes that occur in the texture or state of various materials, particularly food or plants.
When it comes to cooking, becoming tender typically refers to the transformation of a tougher or less cookable ingredient into a soft and easily chewable consistency. This is usually achieved through the application of heat, moisture, or a combination of both over a certain amount of time. For instance, when meat is cooked for an extended period using slow, moist cooking methods such as braising or stewing, it gradually becomes tender as the connective tissues break down and the muscle fibers relax. Similarly, when vegetables or fruits are cooked until they are easily pierced with a fork, they are considered tender.
In gardening or horticulture, the term becoming tender may refer to the process where a plant or its specific parts, such as leaves or shoots, acquire a more delicate or softer texture. This can occur naturally as the plant matures or due to specific techniques employed by gardeners, such as regular watering, pruning, or fertilization.
Overall, becoming tender signifies the desirable softening or delicate transformation of various materials, especially in the contexts of cooking and horticulture.
The word "become" is derived from the Old English word "becuman", which means "to come to, arrive, happen". It is a combination of the prefix "be-" (meaning "about, around, or thoroughly") and the verb "cuman" (meaning "to come").
The word "tender" has a different origin. It comes from the Old French word "tendre", which means "soft, delicate, or gentle". This in turn is derived from the Latin word "tener", which means "soft or delicate".
So, the phrase "become tender" combines the Old English word "becuman" with the Old French/Latin word "tender", expressing the idea of something softening or becoming gentle or delicate.