pairing
PAIR-ing
/ˈpeərɪŋ/
The combination of specific foods with complementary drinks or other foods to enhance flavor.
Implies intentional combination designed by chefs or sommeliers to complement sensory qualities.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'par' (equal), coming through Old French 'paire'. In modern dining and beverage culture, pairing describes matching equal strengths and complementary profiles between food and drink.
Word relationships
- match: Match is a general term; pairing specifically refers to curated culinary combinations.
- combination: Combination can be casual, whereas pairing implies thought-out flavor synergy.
- mismatch: A mismatch consists of flavors that clash unpleasantly.
Commonly confused with
- paring: Paring means trimming or cutting off skin (like paring an apple); pairing means matching two complementary things.
Word family
- pair (verb): To join or combine in a pair.
- pair (noun): A set of two related things.
Collocations
- wine pairing
- food pairing
- perfect pairing
- suggested pairing
Example sentences
- "The sommelier suggested a red wine pairing to accompany our grilled steak entree." Gourmet dining
Memory hook
PAI Ring brings TWO things together like a ring. Harmonious food and drink match.
When not to use
Do not use for random or non-matching food combinations.
Fun facts
- Flavor pairing science now uses molecular analysis to pair unexpected foods like white chocolate and caviar.
Related words
Explore more words
complementary, sommelier, complement, plating, condiment, gustatory
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