Colander

A colander or cullender is a kitchen utensil perforated with holes used to strain foods such as pasta or to rinse vegetables.¹ The perforations of the colander allow liquid to drain through while retaining the solids inside. It is sometimes called a pasta strainer. A sieve, with much finer mesh, is also used for straining.

Traditionally, colanders are made of a light metal, such as aluminium or thinly rolled stainless steel. Colanders are also made of plastic, silicone, ceramic, and enamelware.²

The word colander comes from the Latin colum, meaning sieve.¹

• Bowl- or cone-shaped – the usual colander
• Mated colander pot – a colander inside a cooking pot, allowing the food to drain as it is lifted out³