Tips

“You May Be Cooking These Foods Wrong”

There is an abundance of food available to us on a daily basis, and with it, a myriad of ways to prepare and utilize these ingredients. However, it is easy to fall into the trap of mispreparing certain foods without even realizing it. We will shed light on some of the most commonly mishandled foods and offer insights into their proper usage.

Administrator

11 August, 2024

[dropcap] 1 [/dropcap] Steam Broccoli Regularly

Mistake: According to scientists, stir-frying broccoli (cauliflower) will cause a loss of 24% of Vitamin C , as well as a reduction in sugar, protein, and chlorophyll content. Moreover, about 67% of antioxidants are lost due to high-heat cooking.

Another serious mistake is that many people tend to discard the broccoli stem , unaware that it is rich in vitamins and essential calcium.

Solution: Instead of stir-frying, steam broccoli to retain its nutrients. And remember, don’t throw away the stem during preparation!

[dropcap] 2 [/dropcap] Soak Before Cooking

Mistake: Many people soak beans for a few hours before cooking savory or sweet dishes. This habit can make the beans prone to overcooking or take longer to cook.

Solution: Soak beans overnight in a brine solution. This method will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time by up to 53%. Alternatively, you can cook the beans by bringing cold water to a boil, then adding the beans (without soaking) and continuing to cook.

[dropcap] 3 [/dropcap] Mince Garlic and Onions Finely and Cook Immediately

Mistake: Garlic and onions contain anti-cancer compounds and flavonoids. When they are finely chopped or minced and immediately cooked at high temperatures, these beneficial compounds become inactive.

Solution: After mincing or chopping garlic and onions, let them rest at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before cooking. This practice will help preserve the health-promoting compounds found in these ingredients.

[dropcap] 4 [/dropcap] Discarding Pineapple Cores

Mistake: Most of us don’t enjoy eating pineapple cores due to their toughness and lack of sweetness. However, they contain higher levels of Bromelain, an anti-inflammatory compound, compared to the flesh.

Solution: If you can’t eat the core directly, try cutting it into pieces and infusing it in water to drink throughout the day. This way, you can still benefit from the nutrients found in pineapple cores.

There are certain foods that we may be preparing incorrectly without realizing it. The above examples illustrate common mistakes and provide solutions to improve your cooking habits.

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Reference: bestie.vn

Frequently asked questions

Cooking food properly is essential to ensure food safety and maximize the nutritional value of the ingredients. Undercooked or overcooked food can lead to foodborne illnesses and the destruction of vital nutrients. Proper cooking techniques also enhance the flavor, texture, and overall enjoyment of a meal.

A common mistake when cooking pasta is not using enough water. The pasta needs ample space to cook evenly and properly. Another mistake is adding oil to the water, which prevents sauces from sticking to the pasta after it’s cooked. Finally, not salting the water can make the pasta taste bland.

Bringing meat to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking throughout. If meat is cooked straight from the fridge, the outer layer can overcook or burn while the center is still cold. Allowing it to rest at room temperature yields a more consistently cooked, juicier, and tastier piece of meat.

Steaming or stir-frying vegetables is the best way to retain their nutrients. Boiling can cause water-soluble vitamins and minerals to leach into the water, so it is advisable to consume the cooking water or use a minimal amount of water when boiling.

To achieve a crispy texture when frying, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the food. Adding food to cold oil will result in greasy, soggy food. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil’s temperature and causes the food to absorb more oil.