crusted

hardened

Made tough or unfeeling

• calcifiedHardened by calcium deposits
• solidifiedMade firm, not fluid
• congealedSolidified when cooled

coagulated · thickened · set · stiffened · dried · caked · crystallized · residue · sediment · deposit

filthy

Thoroughly unclean

• soiledMade unclean
• grimeIngrained surface dirt
• grimyCoated in stubborn dirt

stain · tarnish · muck · dirt · grease · sludge · residue · dingy · caked · smeared

caramelized

Browned through sugar heating

• goldenBright yellow, or precious
• brownedCooked until darker
• gratinBaked dish, browned crust

lasagna · casserole · broiled · roasted · seared · glaze · flaky · pastry · toasty · crispy

patina

Surface film from aging

• antiqueOld valued collectible
• vintageQuality from past eras
• decrepitWorn by age

time-worn · aged · worn · corroded · rusted · tarnished · oxidized · flaking · peeling · eroded

brittle

Liable to shatter

• crispFirm and breakable
• cracklyMaking small sharp sounds
• crumblyProne to fragmenting

toasted · crunchy · flaky · crackling · shell · coating · layer · surface · rind · breaded

scab

Dried blood crust

• carapaceProtective dorsal exoskeleton
• shellHard outer covering
• exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure

bark · armor · scale · plating · chitin · hide · casing · wound · healing · skin

charred

Burned until black

• scorchedBurned on surface
• blackenedDarkened by burning
• residueMatter left behind

burnt · sticky · carbonized · overcooked · singed · bakeware · pan · pot · oven

• hardenedhardened, solidified, petrified, fossilized, calcified
• cookedbaked, boiled, braised, broiled, fried
• finishespainted, polished, varnish, paint, matte silver
• skin descriptionssmooth, rough, dry, oily, fair
• Steak Donenessrare, medium rare, medium, medium well, well done
• soil typesclay soil, sandy soil, loamy soil, rocky soil, loam