Everybody knows that veggies are one of the cornerstones of a balanced diet. But what is the best way to cook vegetables? Keep reading to learn more about the best ways to prepare your greens.
What Is the Best Way to Cook Vegetables?
Well, to answer this question, you must first determine what “best” means to you.
If by “best” you mean the most flavorful way to cook, then that’s a matter of personal taste, and chances are good that you already know which is your favorite method. More power to you!
If, on the other hand, by “best” you mean “healthiest,” then science has some insight to offer.
Key Fact: Some Nutrients in Vegetables Are Water-Soluble
As we have seen in previous posts, most vegetables pack a lot of nutrients. What not everyone knows is that many of those nutrients are water-soluble, meaning that they can be dissolved in water.
In short, the boiling process causes some vitamins and antioxidants to leach into the water. With this principle in mind, it’s easy to see why boiling your vegetables might not be the best alternative if what you want is to preserve as many nutrients as possible.
Studies have shown that steaming is the cooking method that preserves the most nutrients in your vegetables. The good news is that in addition to being a health-conscious choice, steaming is fast and cost-effective—all you need is a steaming basket and a pot with a lid to get started.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this general rule. For example, lettuce is usually consumed raw. Also, some dishes (such as stews or soups) incorporate the water you use during the cooking process, allowing you to take advantage of the full nutrient profile of your veggies.
More Delicious Food Facts
At Chef Gourmet, we know good food, and we love sharing that knowledge with you. If we have whetted your appetite for interesting food facts, here are some previous posts you may find interesting:
- Are onions good for you?
- How to cook Brussels sprouts?
- Chicken cacciatore: everything you need to know
- Which type of basil is best for pesto?
- Can spinach really make you stronger?
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