Mashing is a process used in cooking and food preparation, primarily to break down solid foods into a smoother consistency. This technique is commonly applied to ingredients like potatoes, where they are cooked and then crushed to create mashed potatoes. Mashing can also be used for fruits, such as bananas, to make banana bread or smoothies. In the context of brewing, mashing refers to the process of mixing crushed grains, like barley, with hot water. This activates enzymes that convert starches into sugars, which are essential for fermentation. The resulting mixture, called mash, is then processed to produce beer.