What cooking method involves sealing food in plastic pouches for storage before cooking in boiling water?

The correct choice, which involves sealing food in plastic pouches for storage before cooking in boiling water, is sous vide. This cooking method allows for precise temperature control, resulting in food that is evenly cooked while maintaining moisture and flavor.

In sous vide cooking, the food is typically vacuum-sealed in a heat-safe plastic bag and submerged in a water bath, which is heated to a specific temperature. This process not only enhances flavors and textures but also allows for food to be cooked for extended periods without the risk of overcooking.

In contrast, rethermalization refers to the process of heating previously cooked food to a safe temperature for serving, which does not involve the vacuum-sealing process. Conventional cooking encompasses traditional methods such as baking, roasting, or boiling without the use of vacuum-sealed bags. Cold storage pertains to the preservation of food at low temperatures to prevent spoilage, and it does not involve cooking methods at all.