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A sprinkle of this before boiling your greens: Crisp, vibrant vegetables that retain their nutrients

When boiling vegetables, just add a few drops of this and all the vegetables will turn vibrant green and delicious.

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24 December, 2023

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Boiled vegetables are a must-have dish because green vegetables are good for your health. Below are some tips to boil green vegetables crispy and crunchy like in restaurants.

Add cooking oil

You can add a little cooking oil to the boiling water before scooping out the vegetables. Thanks to the outer layer of cooking oil, your vegetables will be greener and shinier. With this method, the vegetables can be left for several hours without changing color, but they will have a slight greasy texture, so you can choose according to your family’s taste.

Squeeze some lemon or vinegar

Another way is to squeeze a few drops of lemon or vinegar into the water to preserve the original color and not affect the original taste of the vegetables. This method can be applied to cabbage, carrots, etc.

Place in ice water immediately after scooping out

Right after scooping out the vegetables from the pot, put them immediately into a bowl of ice water. Then, let the vegetables cool completely before scooping them out, draining them, and arranging them on a plate. This method will help your vegetables stay green or maintain their color for several hours.

Add salt to boiling water

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Frequently asked questions

Vegetables are a vital source of nutrients, but these nutrients can be lost during the cooking process. By taking steps to retain these nutrients, you can ensure that your body receives the maximum health benefits from your food. This includes maintaining the vibrant color and crisp texture of the vegetables, making them more appetizing and nutritious.

Salt acts as a natural preservative and can help lock in the nutrients and color of green vegetables. When you add salt to the water before boiling, it raises the boiling point of the water, allowing the vegetables to cook at a higher temperature and reducing the overall cooking time. This quicker cooking process helps to retain the nutrients that might otherwise be lost during prolonged cooking.

Yes, in addition to nutrient retention, sprinkling salt into the water before boiling greens can also enhance the flavor and texture of the vegetables. It helps to season the vegetables evenly and brings out their natural sweetness. The salt also helps to tenderize the vegetables, resulting in a more pleasant mouthfeel and overall dining experience.

This method is particularly effective for leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, and broccoli. However, you can also apply this technique to other vegetables like green beans, asparagus, and peas. Adjust the amount of salt used depending on the quantity of vegetables and your personal taste preferences.

Yes, there are a few alternative methods you can try. Steaming vegetables is a gentle cooking method that helps retain nutrients. You can also try stir-frying or roasting vegetables at high temperatures for a shorter period to minimize nutrient loss. Additionally, blanching vegetables before freezing them can help lock in their nutritional content.