A colander is a kitchen utensil used to strain foods such as pasta or to rinse vegetables. The perforated nature of the colander allows liquid to drain through while retaining the solids inside. It is sometimes also called a pasta strainer or kitchen sieve. Here are some common uses for a colander:

• Draining pasta: A colander is frequently used to drain liquid out of foods like cooked pasta or rice.
• Rinsing vegetables and fruits: Colanders are used to wash fruits and vegetables.
• Draining the fat out of cooked meats: A colander is sometimes used to drain the fat out of cooked meats.
• Sifting flour: A colander can be used to sift flour by gently tapping the colander full of flour.
• Removing herb leaves: To remove the leaves of fresh parsley, thyme, or cilantro, thread the stems of the herbs through the colander’s holes and pull.
• Keeping flies away: Invert a colander and place it over each dish to keep flies and other bugs away.
• Steaming vegetables: In a pinch, a metal colander can substitute for a steamer basket.
• Growing sprouts: A colander can be used to grow sprouts by getting a cheap plastic colander and using it to grow sprouts.

Colanders are sometimes confused with strainers, which have finer holes or mesh for catching small solids. Colanders have larger holes and are bowl-shaped, while strainers are hand-held tools with a mesh basket designed for dipping into pots or straining particles from liquid.