Eating squash vines is delicious, but the tedious task of removing the fibrous strands discourages many. As a result, some opt to purchase pre-stripped squash vines from the market. However, these pre-stripped vines tend to be older and drier, affecting the overall taste and texture of the dish. To ensure the best flavor, it is recommended to buy fresh squash vines and strip them yourself. If you’re unsure how to do this, follow the method shared by Ms. Hanh Mangosteen.
Ms. Hanh Mangosteen, a self-proclaimed squash vine enthusiast, shares her satisfaction with her stripping technique, taught to her by her grandmother when she was young. She prefers not to buy pre-stripped vines from the market as they tend to be fibrous and leave a lot of residue even after cooking.
Learn from Ms. Hanh Mangosteen’s stripping technique:
Selecting the right squash vines is crucial for easier and faster stripping. Opt for vibrant green and slightly thicker vines as they tend to be more tender. Avoid darker and thinner vines as they are older and will be fibrous even after thorough stripping.
Once you’ve purchased fresh and tender squash vines, follow these steps:
It is recommended to separate the vines into stems, tips, and leaves for quicker stripping. However, if you prefer, you can also strip each vine individually.
– Stripping the stems: Hold the stem with one hand and use the other hand to strip the fibrous strands. As you strip, gently bend the stem and pull the strands along its length. This ensures that all the fibrous strands are removed. Avoid yanking the strands as it may leave some behind. With practice, you’ll be able to strip the strands into thicker pieces, making the process faster.
– Leaves and tips with fine hairs: Strip the fibrous strands from both sides of the leaves and discard any older leaves. The tips are also easy to strip, and bending them slightly makes the process smoother.
Once you’ve finished stripping, rinse the leaves and tips gently, and soak them in salted water to remove any remaining fine hairs.
The removed fibrous strands.
If you’re stripping a large quantity, it is advisable to wash and cook the vines in batches. For the remaining vines, store them in the refrigerator without washing.
Good luck, and happy cooking!
