thawing

Thawing refers to the process of warming something that is frozen, allowing it to return to a liquid state. This commonly applies to food, where frozen items like meat or vegetables are gradually heated to a temperature above freezing so they can be cooked or consumed. Thawing can occur in various ways, including leaving food in the refrigerator, submerging it in cold water, or using a microwave. Proper thawing is important for food safety, as it helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can occur if food is left at room temperature for too long.