Health & Life

8 delicious but parasite-filled vegetables that need careful preparation before eating

These are the popular and delicious types of vegetables in Vietnamese cuisine, but they are highly susceptible to parasitic contamination.

Administrator

9 March, 2024

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Magic teacher root (water chestnut)

Magic teacher root, also known as water chestnut, is a type of root that is often eaten raw to quench thirst. They are rich in nutrients and have the ability to boost health and improve immunity.

Magic teacher roots are round, flat, crunchy, and juicy, with a sweet taste that makes them a favorite fruit-like snack. However, they are grown in marshy areas and are prone to bacterial and parasitic infections. Many people think that simply washing the root and biting through the outer skin is sufficient, but doing so can easily result in swallowing worm larvae. Therefore, to eat this type of root, it is necessary to peel it carefully before consuming. It can be cooked in soups or boiled and used in salads.

Magic teacher root contains many invisible parasites

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is a sweet root that is delicious when stir-fried. It can be stir-fried with eggs or beef for a sweet and savory dish. Arrowroots are usually grown along the ditches outside the fields and in muddy areas near rice fields, which makes them prone to various types of parasites. Therefore, arrowroots need to be thoroughly cooked before they are safe to eat.

Taro

Taro is a snack that is rich in vitamins and minerals, and has a delicious aroma. Taro can also be cooked in soups, but they are grown in fields where the growth process is easily contaminated with bacteria in the water.

Water celery

Water celery is a delicious vegetable, but it is grown under water and its stem is tubular, making it prone to many parasites.

Many people like to pickle water celery with salted vegetables or use it in hot pots or stir-fry with beef. The parasites can lay small, invisible eggs. Therefore, you need to thoroughly wash and process water celery before eating.

Lotus root

Lotus root is a precious vegetable due to its high nutritional content and its medicinal properties. However, lotus roots grow in mud and have many holes in their stems, making them prone to parasitic infections.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a type of vegetable that is often eaten raw. However, it forms a circular shape and grows close to the ground, making it prone to various parasitic infections, so consuming it raw should be limited. In addition, lettuce must be thoroughly rinsed under running water.

Cabbage

Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, which is higher than that of cauliflower, helping to enhance physical strength and boost the immune system. However, cabbage has a spongy center, making it prone to parasitic infections. To clean cabbage thoroughly, you need to cut it into small pieces, soak it in water with a little flour and salt for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse it again with water. Flour can absorb dust, impurities, and insect eggs, while salt can act as a disinfectant.

Water spinach

Water spinach, which is grown in water, has hollow stems and is also at risk of parasitic infections. Therefore, when eating raw water spinach, pay attention to thorough cleaning to avoid infection with tapeworms and parasites.

Frequently asked questions

While it is possible to eat Magic Teacher Root raw, it is important to note that it may harbor bacterial and parasitic infections, especially if grown in marshy areas. Simply washing and biting into it is not recommended as it can lead to swallowing worm larvae. Instead, carefully peel and thoroughly cook the root before consumption to ensure safety.

To safely enjoy Magic Teacher Root, it is advisable to peel and cook it thoroughly. You can add it to soups, boil it, or incorporate it into salads. Cooking ensures that any potential parasites or bacteria are eliminated, making it safe for consumption.

Arrowroot, a sweet and savory root vegetable, is prone to parasites due to its growth environment. It is typically grown along ditches outside fields and in muddy areas near rice fields. Thorough cooking is necessary to eliminate any potential parasites and make it safe for consumption.

Taro is a nutritious snack, rich in vitamins and minerals, and has a delightful aroma. While it can be cooked in soups, it is important to note that taro is grown in fields where bacterial contamination from water is possible. Ensure thorough cooking to mitigate any potential risks.

Water celery, a tasty vegetable, is grown underwater and has a tubular stem, making it susceptible to parasites. It is often pickled or used in hot pots and stir-fries. However, thorough washing and processing are necessary to eliminate the risk of consuming invisible parasite eggs.

Lotus Root is prized for its high nutritional content and medicinal properties. However, it grows in muddy environments and has a stem with numerous holes, making it prone to parasitic infections. Ensure thorough cleaning and cooking before consumption.

Lettuce is commonly consumed raw, but its circular shape and proximity to the ground make it susceptible to parasitic infections. Limit raw consumption, and always thoroughly rinse lettuce under running water to reduce the risk of infection.

Cabbage is a rich source of Vitamin C, boosting immunity and physical strength. However, its spongy center attracts parasites. To ensure it is thoroughly cleaned, cut it into small pieces and soak them in water with flour and salt for 10-15 minutes before rinsing again with water. This process helps eliminate dust, impurities, and insect eggs.

Water spinach, grown in water with hollow stems, is at risk of parasitic infections. When consuming it raw, ensure thorough cleaning to avoid tapeworm and parasite infections.